The Shape Shifters of Biology - Biology Mysteries Series
Author: May is a Student Ambassador in Burma who loves researching, exploring, and experiencing.
Hear me out - Biology is actually pretty simple.
Don’t get me wrong, my idea of “simple” doesn’t include the bulk of textbooks with pages filled with in-depth information, not those packed lines of human abilities and illustrated prints that you are given to study for weeks. What I mean by simple is that biology is literally just the study of a body. Just one body. Think about it, if you put it that way, biology is the study of a single body and everything within it.
The interesting part? It is the “everything” that includes every interaction, every group of cells, every group of tissue, every group of organs, with each of their specific traits, linked together as if working in sync, all working together to support a life. Right now, as you are staring at the screen, numerous cells are working hard to give you a life as if you are their king/queen. A life that allows you to experience joy, sadness, nostalgia, anger, and all those emotions it helps you process. A life that allows you to be you
Now, what if I told you that there is a phenomenon within you that has the ability to make this “everything” possible? And that, my friends, is called stem cells; the shapeshifters of Biology.
While most body cells spend their whole life doing one job, Stem cells are different. They begin as unspecialized (not having a fixed purpose) cells; hence, they can make more cells by dividing and changing into specialized (having a fixed purpose) cells. The most interesting part about stem cells is their ability to divide by mitosis an unlimited number of times!
Specialized Cells
The ability of stem cells to differentiate into more specialized cell types is called potency (similar to that of having potential). There are different types of cells involved in this phenomenon. This includes Embryonic stem cells found in early embryos. These are known as Pluripotent, and they can become almost ANY cell type in the body. Yes, they could become cells in your brain or in the tip of your fingers.
Another type would be Adult (Somatic) stem cells. These cells are found in the brain, bone marrow, skin, or the intestines of adults. They are known as Multipotent and can form a limited range of cells.
For example, bone marrow stem cells can form red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Flaws
We must be aware that not everything is perfect and that there may be slight flaws hidden inside. For stem cells, this would be the small chance of the risk of infection with a virus while being cultured in the lab. This could then be transmitted to the patient. There are also risks of mutations (uncontrolled cell division) that could lead to the formation of cancer cells. But, with clear procedures and considerations in place, the full potential of stem cells can be unleashed for their beneficial effects upon us humans.
Conclusion
Stem cells show us that biology is not just about memorizing facts—it’s about understanding the incredible adaptability within our own bodies. These tiny shape shifters hold the key to healing, regeneration, and scientific breakthroughs that could change lives. While challenges and risks remain, the potential of stem cells reminds us how much more there is to discover about ourselves. So next time you think biology is complicated, remember: it’s the story of life itself.