glossary

Stem cells

Image of a stem cell transforming into different types of cells including a red blood cell, a nerve cell, a somatic cell and a germ cell.

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Cells with the potential to turn into a specialized type of cell or to divide to make more stem cells. Most cells in your body are differentiated – that is, their fate has already been decided and they cannot morph into a different kind of cell. For example, a cell in your brain cannot transform into a skin cell. Embryonic stem cells are found in developing embryos, while adult stem cells are found in tissues including bone marrow, blood, and fat. Adult stem cells replenish the body as it becomes damaged over time.

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