RESUMO
Stem cells are cells that divide to form one daughter cell that goes on to differentiate, and one daughter cell that retains its stem-cell properties. All stem cells regardless of their source have three general properties: they are unspecialized, they are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods, and under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become cells with special functions, i.e. they can give rise to specialized cell types. Importance of stem cells Sources of stem cells Prospects of stem cells Spectrum of stem cell research Stem Cells in Early Development Biological Characteristics Of Stem Cells Using Stem Cells for Human Therapy Practical Aspects of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Adult Stem Cells The Potential Uses Of Human Stem Cells The Production Of Human Embryonic Stem Cells By Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer L Chromatin Decondensation and Nuclear Reprogramming by Nucleoplasmin