Since the 19th century scientist all over the world have been studying stem cells. It started with plants, then progressed to mice, and now to patients in search of cures for diseases they contain. The term stem cells were first introduced over 100 years ago. It was used to describe fertilized eggs becoming into organisms; meaning that fertilized eggs give rise to all cells of the organism. Stem cells also introduced the idea of being multi-potent also known as the ability of differentiating into several types of cells. As time progressed scientists discovered more about the way stem cells work. All the research and experimentation being conducted with stem cells have led to the discoveries of different forms of cells, the process of a person donating their own stem cells, treatments to diseases, therapies, and so …show more content…
Stem cells are different from any other cell in the human body. With such different cells as these they contain unique properties which pertain them being powerful. Each cell regardless of their source have three general properties. These properties are the capability to divide and renew themselves for long periods, they are unspecialized, and they can give rise to specialized cell types (National Institutes of Health, 2016). Unlike blood cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells which do not duplicate themselves, stem cells have this ability. It is also known as proliferate. Now if a cell is unspecialized, it is said to be capable of long term self- renewal. Being unspecialized gives these cells the ability to not have any specific tissue structure. However, this property allows this cell to give rise to specialized cells including blood cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells. When this process occurs it is known as differentiation. While going through this process the cell goes through many stages. It becomes more specialized during each