Abstract

Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into specialized cells and can divide (through mitosis) to produce more stem cells. They are found in multi-cellular organisms. They have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body especially during early life and growth of an individual. In addition, they also serve as a sort of internal repair system in many tissues, to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. Stem cells are distinguished from other cell types by two important characteristics. SELF RENEWAL AND POTENCY, which include the capability to renew themselves through cell division and under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue or organspecific cells with special functions respectively. Diseases and conditions where the stem cells use is being investigated include; Diabetes mellitus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, Osteoarthritis, Stroke and traumatic brain injury repair, learning disability due to congenital disorder etc.