embryonic stem cell

Cultural  

1. Cells obtained from an embryo in the blastula phase, when they are still only a few days old. Because they have only begun to differentiate, these cells have the capability of developing into any cell in the human body, a fact which makes them potentially important in medicine. (See stem cell.)

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Example Sentences

The policy was based on a misunderstanding of embryonic stem cell science, which made it, in Mooney’s words, “a policy based on science fiction.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2025

But rather than allow it to develop into a clone of the patient - the so-called embryonic stem cell could be coaxed into becoming nerve cells which could replace the damaged parts of his brain.

From BBC • Sep. 11, 2023

They started with a human embryonic stem cell, editing its TKTL1 gene so that it no longer had the human mutation.

From New York Times • Sep. 8, 2022

Human embryonic stem cell research involves ethical issues.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018

Additionally, consent form language clearly stated that genetic testing would be conducted in addition to creation of preimplantation embryos and embryonic stem cell lines for in vitro analyses and stored for future use.

From Nature • Aug. 1, 2017