CBSE Class 10 Answered

Stem cells are found in most multi-cellular organisms. They are capable of retaining the ability to reinvigorate themselves through mitotic cell division and can differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types.

^{Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body. All stem cells—regardless of their source—have three general properties:}

^{they are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods;}

^{they are unspecialized; and}

^{they can give rise to specialized cell types.}

The two broad types of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells that are found in blastocysts, and adult stem cells that are found in adult tissues.

In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues.

In adults, stem cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells, and also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs.

The use of stem cells in medical therapies has been proposed.