• Question: How do stem cells change into nearly any other type of cell?

    Asked by Sam to Daniel on 7 Mar 2016.
    • Photo: Daniel Biggs

      Daniel Biggs answered on 7 Mar 2016:

      This is a great question and the answer can be very long and complex. So let us try and think simply, if that is ok. Stem cells can turn into other, more specialised cells when influenced by other factors. An example is that within the bone marrow in your body you have stem cells that can turn into all the cells types in your blood.

      Think of a stem cell as an egg. On its own it has the potential to turn into many things, if you crack it open and add heat you have a fried egg. If you crack it open and add some milk, butter, a little salt and some heat. You get scrambled eggs ( I think thats how your cook them).

      I hope this helps 😛

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