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That a tiny collection of cells can divide, multiply, and transform into the proper combination of lung cells, brain cells, bone, muscle, and more-eventually becoming a fully formed human being-is often referred to as the miracle of life. But at the cellular level, this is the story of stem cells, cellular differentiation, and gene expression. This program explores these topics, detailing the different types of stem cells (embryonic and adult), and when they leave the cell cycle to enter differentiation. Cell mutation, gene expression, and the process of epigenetics are also covered. Stem cell potency is also reviewed, as is the role and promise of stem cells in medical research, including the pros and cons of using embryonic versus adult-derived stem cells.
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