Answer: Stem cells are unspecialised cells which can divide repeatedly and can develop into different types of specialised cells.
They are found in the early embryo, in bone marrow, in umbilical cord blood and in some adult tissues.
Uses:
- Bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation is used to treat blood diseases such as leukaemia, thalassemia and aplastic anaemia.
- They are used to grow new skin for burn patients and new tissues such as cartilage and heart muscle, and research is going on to use them in diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injury.