What are the Differences in Adult Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells?

The difference in adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells primarily relate to the development stage and the potency, or their ability to differentiate into other cell types.

Embryonic Stem Cells	Adult Stem Cells
Cells from a blastocyst (embryo that is 5-14 days old)	Cells from bone marrow, skin cells, fat, brain, muscle, liver
Most potential (Multipotent)	Organ specific (only a few types)
Can form all cell types (such as retinal, muscle, bone, nerve, blood, etc. - over 200 in the body)	Cells that have already differentiated, but can form a limited number of other tissue. Examples: 'bone marrow hematopoietic cells' which form all blood cells and platelets, 'bone marrow stromal cells' which generate bone, cartilage, fat, and fibrous connective tissue, plus skin cells and intestinal wall cells.
Immortal in culture	Limited life span
Controversial - human life	No controversies