Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/863136
Information provided by Ecsponent Biotech, (www.ecsbio.com) on behalf of: This is for information and educational purposes only, and should not be construed as healthcare advice. Please discuss with your healthcare professional. A full list of references is available on the website and at our offices. Data on file. DOC 9.0.1.105.9.SA V1 Effective date: 5 May 2017 Stem cells are often called MASTER CELLS, and form the foundation for your entire body as building blocks for the blood, immune system, tissue and organs. They can REPLICATE or REGENERATE themselves and has the ability the to DIFFERENTIATE into any kind of specialised cell in the body. What are stem cells? A stem cell can differentiate into any one of 220 different specialised cells in the body There are different kinds of stem cells that are found in the human body throughout the course of life. They vary in exactly what they can and cannot do, but fall within two main categories. STEM CELLS Multipontent /adult Pluripotent Cord blood and tissue stem cells can be found in a newborn baby's umbilical cord and are classified as adult stem cells. These stem cells are practically brand new and have a greater capacity to grow, multiply and differentiate meaning that they have enhanced regenerative abilities in comparison to other sources. Can only differentiate into certain types of specialised cells. Work as a repair system in maintaining the specific tissues. Found in e.g. blood stem cells forming red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, mesenchymal stem cells forming only certain tissue cells etc. Can differentiate into all specialised cells in the body. Embryonic stem cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells. Controversial and not part of our business or education process. Generated from specialised cells by using a technique called "reprogramming". This ground breaking work was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 and is in the very early stages of research.