Glossary

So what does some of that mumbo-jumbo technical jargon really mean? Learn their meanings by browsing our online glossary.


Adult stem cell

An unspecialised stem cell found in a specific tissue that can renew itself and differentiate (with limitations) to develop into any of the cell types of the tissue from which it originated.

Allogenic transplantation

Cell, tissue or organ transplants from one member of a species to a genetically different member of the same species.

Autologous transplantation

Cell, tissue or organ transplants from one individual back into the same individual. Such transplants are often performed with blood products or bone marrow and don’t induce an immune response and are not rejected.

Blastocyst

A very early stage embryo, prior to implantation at around 5-6 days post fertilisation. A blastocyst is a cluster of approximately 150 cells, the size of a pinhead, containing a cavity. The centre is filled with fluid and surrounded by a cluster of cells called the inner cell mass (from which embryonic stem cells are derived, which give rise to all the organs and tissues of a future embryo and fetus) and an outer layer of cells called the trophoblast (that forms the fetal portion of the placenta).

Cell culture

The growth of cells in vitro in an artificial solution that contain nutrients and growth factors.

Cell division

The continuous process by which one cell divides into two cells, thereby increasing the cell population.

Cell-based therapies

A treatment that involves stem cells being induced to differentiate, or develop, into specific cell types required to repair or rebuilt depleted cell populations or tissues.
 
 

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