about stem cells
Stem cells are the essential master cells of the bone marrow that continually replicate and differentiate into the cells of the blood and immune systems; red blood cells to transport oxygen, white blood cells to provide a defense mechanism against foreign organisms and disease and to provide immunity, and platelets, which are essential for blood clotting (see below). Cord blood stem cells are increasingly becoming regarded as a viable and useful alternative to stem cells from adults and children in reconstituting diseased or depleted bone marrow. This may occur in conditions such as leukaemia, life threatening blood and immune system disorders, and after extensive chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Stem cells from cord blood can differentiate into all other blood cells including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.