Summary
Pluripotent cells from the blastocyst inner cell mass that can be grown and directed in culture.
In depth
Derived from the blastocyst, maintained with LIF in mouse. Differentiation protocols produce specific cell types. Ethical issues surround embryo use. Applications: disease models, drug testing and cell therapy.
ESCs are cultured on feeders or defined matrices. They can self-renew indefinitely and differentiate in directed protocols. Concerns: tumour risk (teratoma) and immune rejection.
Remember: first human ESC lines were derived in 1998 by James Thomson.
Frequently asked questions
What is Embryonic Stem Cells?
Pluripotent cells from the blastocyst inner cell mass that can be grown and directed in culture.
Which area of biology covers Embryonic Stem Cells, and how advanced is it?
Embryonic Stem Cells is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Pluripotency, Organoids, Totipotency.
Can you give an example of Embryonic Stem Cells?
Clinical trials use ESC-derived retinal pigment cells.
What should I learn before Embryonic Stem Cells?
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Embryonic Stem Cells. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Embryonic Stem Cells?
The closest topics to Embryonic Stem Cells are Pluripotency, Organoids, Totipotency, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Embryonic Stem Cells?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Embryonic Stem Cells. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Embryonic Stem Cells different from Pluripotency?
Embryonic Stem Cells: Pluripotent cells from the blastocyst inner cell mass that can be grown and directed in culture. Pluripotency: Capacity to form all body cell types, as in embryonic stem cells, but not a whole organism. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Embryonic Stem Cells step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Pluripotency and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.