ABSTRACT

The stem cell is a unique and essential cell type found in animals. There are many different types of stem cells found in the body, with some more differentiated, or committed, to a particular function

5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................77 5.2 Sources and Characteristics of Stem Cells ............................................................................. 78

5.2.1 The Embryonic Stem Cell .......................................................................................... 78 5.2.1.1 Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Culture .......................................................... 79 5.2.1.2 Maintaining Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell in Their

Undifferentiated State .............................................................................. 80 5.2.1.3 Human Embryonic Stem Cell Culture and Maintenance ............................ 81 5.2.1.4 Directed Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells ........................ 82

5.2.2 Embryonic Carcinoma Cells ....................................................................................... 83 5.2.3 Embryonic Germ Cells ............................................................................................... 83 5.2.4 Adult Stem Cells ......................................................................................................... 83

5.2.4.1 Hematopoietic Stem Cells ............................................................................84 5.2.4.2 Sources of Hematopoietic Stem Cell ...........................................................85