Final answer:
The potential of stem cells changes as an organism develops, beginning with totipotent embryonic cells and progressing to multipotent adult cells. Stem cell research aims to utilize these cells for regenerative therapies to treat damage and disease. Induced pluripotent stem cells offer a promising, patient-specific treatment approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Potential of Stem Cells Over Time
The potential of stem cells changes significantly over the lifespan of an organism. Stem cells are notable for their unique abilities to differentiate into specialized cells, which makes them valuable for therapeutic applications to regenerate and repair damaged tissues. Initially, the first embryonic cells derived from the division of a zygote are totipotent, meaning they can develop into any cell type necessary for an organism's growth and development. As an organism matures, these cells give rise to multipotent stem cells, which can still differentiate but are limited to specific cell lineages, such as red or white blood cells.
Stem cell research focuses on harnessing these cells to counteract the aging process, wherein most adult cells lose their ability to divide and repair themselves. While adult stem cells have a narrower range of differentiation compared to embryonic stem cells, they are not recognized as foreign by the body, reducing potential immune reactions. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are also a promising avenue in stem cell research because they present fewer ethical issues and can be generated from the patient's own cells, creating patient-specific therapies. Over time, stem cell therapy could drastically improve or even save lives, as studies suggest their potential for repairing organ damage, such as kidney damage, and treating life-threatening diseases.