STEM CELLS
Before asking ourselves what are these and how they work, we should know a little more about evolution. Here's a short video explanation that will help you understand it in a better way.
What are stem cells, and why are they important?
Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.
More extended info: http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics1.aspx
Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.
More extended info: http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics1.aspx
INTRO TO GENETICS
There are different types of stem cells:
Stem cells seen from a microscope.
CLONING
What is cloning? Clones are organisms that are exact genetic copies. Every single bit of their DNA is identical.
Clones can happen naturally. Identical twins are just one of many examples. Or they can be made in the lab. Below, find out how natural identical twins are similar to and different from clones made through modern cloning technologies.
THE STORY OF DOLLY THE SHEEP.
Clones can happen naturally. Identical twins are just one of many examples. Or they can be made in the lab. Below, find out how natural identical twins are similar to and different from clones made through modern cloning technologies.
THE STORY OF DOLLY THE SHEEP.