Perspectives on Stem Cell Research

Stem cells are primal undifferentiated cells that retain the ability to divide and differentiate into other cell types. In higher plants this function is the defining property of the meristematic cells. Stem cells have the ability to act as a repair system for the body, because they can divide and differentiate, replenishing other cells as long as the host organism is alive. Medical researchers believe stem cell research has the potential to change the face of human disease by being used to repair specific tissues or to grow organs. This book presents related research in this field.