If you or any of your relative is suffering from deadly diseases such as Parkinson?s, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer?s or any other, then these small cells-could be a matter of life and death for you! It has been shown that the stem cells are capable of differentiating into specialized cells or organs of the body as well renewing or repairing any damage which has occurred in the tissues or organs of the body! Hence, you can see for yourself that these stem cells have a life-saving potential.

Stem cells are of two types and both of them have enormous potential in their own. These are embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. The embryonic stem cells are derived from the blastocyst or the inner mass of the embryos, after fertilization has occurred whereas the adult stem cells are already present within the specialized tissues/organs, and multiply by mitotic division for replenishing dying cells and regenerating damaged tissues. Adult stem cells have been found to have a much longer track record in treatments, in comparison to the embryonic stem cells and are not controversial as they do not result in the destruction of embryos.

Stem cells are derived from blastocyst and can give rise to specialized cells in the body- for example, a blank cell can become a specialized cell if it attaches to the blood stream or if you have an injury in your spinal cord, then it can become a nerve, cartilage or motor cell. So, a stem cell can take any shape or form, depending on the requirements of the body. Hence, they are of immense importance in carrying organ transplants or treating deadly diseases such as cancer, Parkinson?s or Alzheimer?s.

Generally, if an organ transplant is required for a person, then it is very difficult to obtain a fresh piece of organ. But if the stem cells are controlled and manipulated properly, then they will grow into a specialized organ and will serve as a potential supply for organ transplant. Moreover, as these cells are able to renew or repair the damaged tissues, so can be used for replacing the cells lost in injuries or accidents. For example in Parkinson?s disease, the brain cells are lost or damaged, and hence a person is not able to co-ordinate his/her muscle movements and looses memory. But if you can add new cells in place of the dead ones, then the person will be able to live normally. So, think of the potential that this small cell has!

Hence, stem cell research can really affect everybody?s life. If you support this research, then you may be able to save your friend or relative from having an untimely death!