'''Stem cells''' have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a #REDIRECT [[muscle]] cell, a [[red blood cell]], or a [[brain]] cell.Serving as a sort of repair system for the body, they can theoretically divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the [[organism]] is still alive. *Broadly speaking, a stem cell is one that – in the course of [[cell division]] and increase in the numbers of cells – is able to reproduce itself and also mature into various specialized types of cells. The stem cell with the greatest potential (totipotential) is the fertilized [[egg cell]], which is capable of developing into a complete organism. [http://www.21stcenturysciencetech.com/articles/winter01/stem_cell.html] ==Controversy over human embryonic stem cell research==Wolfgang Lillge, M.D. wrote:*The question of stem cells is currently the dominant subject in the debate over [[biotechnology]] and [[human genetics]]: Should we use [[embryonic stem cell]]s or [[adult stem cell]]s for future medical therapies? [http://www.21stcenturysciencetech.com/articles/winter01/stem_cell.html] ==See also== *[[stem cell research]] [[category:Biology]]
