Stem cells (German translation: Stammzellen) are a special type of cell with the unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into different types of specialized cells in the body. They play an important role in development, growth, tissue regeneration and organ repair in the body. Stem cells are able to produce a copy of themselves by dividing. However, this division does not result in two new stem cells, it is a process known as asymmetric cell division (translation into German: asymmetrische Zellteilung), in which two different cells are created. One cell is a copy of the original cell and has the same properties, so a new stem cell is created. The second cell, which results from asymmetric cell division, develops into a specialized cell type, i.e. it differentiates.

Basic properties of stem cells:

• Self-renewal: Stem cells can divide and form further stem cells while maintaining their unspecialized state. This process is known as self-renewal.
• Ability to differentiate: Stem cells can differentiate into different types of specialized cells in the body, such as nerve cells, muscle cells (myocytes), skin cells, hematopoietic cells and more.
• Plasticity (German: Plastizität): Some stem cells are plastic, i.e. they can differentiate into cells of other organs and tissues. For example, stem cells from the umbilical cord can differentiate into different cell types.

Stem cells are divided into two main types:

• Embryonic stem cells (ESC; German: embryonale Stammzellen): These cells originate from embryos and have the greatest differentiation potential, i.e. they can develop into any type of cell in the body. Their extraction raises ethical and moral debates, as it usually involves the destruction of the embryo.
• Adult stem cells (ASC; German: adulte Stammzellen): These cells are found in various tissues and organs of the body, but their differentiation potential is limited. They are used for the restoration and regeneration of adult tissues and in medical research.

Stem cells have great potential in medicine and research. They can be used to develop new treatments for a variety of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, diseases of the nervous system and even certain types of cancer. However, their use is also subject to strict regulation and raises ethical questions, particularly when it comes to embryonic stem cells. In Germany, for example, the production of human embryonic stem cells in laboratories is prohibited.

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