Understanding Stem Cells: From Embryonic Origins to the Formation of the Three Germ Layers
Stem cells: Cells that are able to (1) self-renew (can create more stem cells indefinitely) and (2) differentiates into (become) specialized, mature cell types.
Embryonic stem cells: Stem Cells that are harvested from a blastocyst. These cells are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into cells from all three germ layers.
Adult stem cells (or Somatic Stem Cell): Stem cells that are harvested from tissues in an adult body. These cells are usually multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into cells from some, but not all, of the three germ layers. They are thought to act to repair and regenerate the tissue in which they are found in, but usually they can differentiate into cells of completely different tissue types.
