Stem cells have three characteristics that distinguish them from other types of cells:

– they are non-differentiated (unspecialised) cells,

– they can divide and multiply in their undifferentiated state for a long period.

– under certain physiological or experimental conditions, they can also give rise to more

specialised differentiated cells such as nerve cells, muscle cells or insulin producing

cells etc.

Stem cells are found in the early embryo, in the foetus and the umbilical cord blood, and in

many tissues of the body after birth and in the adult. These stem cells are the source for