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| stem cell | |
| Pronunciation: | stem sel |
| Definition : | a cell that has no specialized function (unlike a nerve, muscle, brain, blood, fat... cell) |
| Facts: |
Stem cells occur in the early stages of embryo development. Stem cells have the ability to turn into specialized cells (like a nerve, muscle, brain, blood, fat... cell) One source of stem cells is the umbilical cord--the cord that attaches from a fetus to the placenta. These stem cells are being tested as a way to treat diseases like Parkinson's disease, which affects muscle control. |
| Related Terms: | somatic cell |