Definition:
Stem cells are unspecialized cells with the ability to develop into many other types of cells in the body. They also act to replace old or damaged cells. In the bone marrow, “hematopoetic” (blood forming) stem cells divide regularly and either create new stem cells or more specialized cells such as platelets or red blood cells.
Stem Cell Information. National Institutes of Health. Accessed June 17, 2010. http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics1.asp.
