Multipotent progenitor cells can give rise to several other cell types, but those types are limited in number. An example of a multipotent stem cell is a hematopoietic cell — a blood stem cell that can develop into several types of blood cells, but cannot develop into brain cells or other types of cells. At the end of the long series of cell divisions that form the embryo are cells that are terminally differentiated, or that are considered to be permanently committed to a specific function.

Scientists have long held the opinion that differentiated cells cannot be altered or caused to behave in any way other than the way in which they have been naturally committed. New research, however, has even called that assumption into question. In recent stem cell experiments, scientists have been able to persuade blood stem cells to behave like neurons, or brain cells. Scientists now believe that stem cell research could reveal far more vital information about our bodies than was previously known. There is also continuing research to see if it is possible to make multipotent cells into pluripotent cells.

See also

• Progenitor cell
• Stem cell

References

• Resources for scientists teaching science This site is an archive of teaching materials to aid scientists in teaching undergraduate courses.
• Union of Concerned Scientists Helps citizens take action on policies related to the environment, global warming, nuclear weapons, clean energy, clean vehicles, and biotechnology.
• For Scientists - new : Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for scientists. Information for Applicants Find out about JDRF's research emphasis areas and grant mechanisms, access current RFAs, and apply for grants
• Lists of scientists - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search. This page contains links to lists of scientists. For lists of different types of scientists, see:
• Open Directory - Kids and Teens: School Time: Science: Scientists Historia: Women Scientists in History [ Kids ] - Provides biographies of women scientists throughout history, along with a timeline and a list of career
• DragonflyTV . Real Scientists | PBS Kids Go! Biologist and Dog Handler, Real Scientist: Ameri Gurley Ameri Gurley video Entomologist, Real Scientist: Brian Sidwell and Mike Lowe
• ScienceCareers.org | Science Jobs, Funding, Meetings, and Advice Search chapters of advice for young scientists. Graduate Programs > Testing The Waters: Careers and Grad Programs for B.S. / M.S. Scientists >
• E-print Network: Research Communications for Scientists and Engineers An integrated network of electronic scientific and technical information. Included are pre-publication drafts of journal articles (preprints),
• SIPES (Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists SIPES 2008 Annual Meeting. New Orleans, Louisiana May 12-15, 2008 Omni Royal Orleans "Oil & Gas Prospecting - The Good, the Bad & the Possible"