Stem cell
By Levi Clancy for Student Reader on
updated
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells able to take on various fates. They divide throughout the life of the organism, making more identical cells, providing precursor cells for a pathway of differentiation. Examples: blood-forming cells like erythroblasts; stem cells in gut; stem cells in nervous system; and spermatogonia. Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are cells that have been artificially induced to revert to a stem cell state.