Cell division

Where a single cell divides to create two cells, using either mitosis or meiosis.

Culture medium

Liquid that covers cells in a culture dish and contains nutrients to feed the cells.

Differentiation

Process where an embryonic stem cell begins to acquire the features of a specialized cell such as a hearth, mucle or liver cell.

Directed differentiation

Manipulating a stem cell to induce differentiation into a particular cell type.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid. Chemicals found in the nucleus of cells. DNA carries the instructions for making the structures and materials the body needs to function.

Stem Cells

Adult stem cells

Astrocyte

Type of supporting cell found in the nervous system

Blastocoel

Fluid filled cavity inside the blastocyst of a developing embryo

Blastocyst

Embryo produced by cell division after fertilization but before implanting into the uterus

Blood Stem Cells

See Hematopoietic Stem Cells (or HSC)

Bone marrow stromal cells

Stem cells found in bone marrow that do not generate blood cells, but instead generate bone, cartilage, fat, and fibrous connective tissue.

Cloning

Cord Blood

Embryonic stem cells

Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC)

Hematopoietic (or blood) Stem Cells (HSCs) are found in the bone marrow of adult mammals. They generate all of the blood cell types of the body.

Stem cells