Stem Cells

"This book defines what constitutes a stem cell while making clear where there can be misunderstanding or confusion that leads to some non-stem cells being misrepresented. We will distinguish the basic stem cell types and how they are characterized, focusing on the sorts of experimental approaches employed, many of which have been specifically developed for the purpose of investigating these cells. At this point, it will be pertinent to consider the reasons why stem cells have become an important part of plant and animal biology. Then we will discuss the broad principles of the ways in which stem cell function is tightly controlled, in particular, the need for a specific environment and interaction with external factors. Finally, we will introduce how stem cells can or might be utilized for practical purposes, including improved disease understanding and treatment"--