Internal and external factors that control changes in cell structure and function.

Any body cell other than gametes (egg or sperm). See also Gamete.

SCNT is a technique that combines an enucleated egg (nucleus removed) and the nucleus of a somatic cell to make an embryo. SCNT is the scientific term for cloning. SCNT can be used for therapeutic or reproductive purposes, but the initial stage that combines an enucleated egg and a somatic cell nucleus is the same. See also therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning.

Non-embryonic stem cells that are not derived from gametes (egg or sperm cells).

Cells with the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and to give rise to specialized cells.

Non-blood cells derived from blood organs, such as bone marrow or fetal liver, which are capable of supporting growth of blood cells in vitro. Stromal cells that make the matrix within the bone marrow are also derived from mesenchymal stem cells.

Transferring cultured cells, with or without dilution, from one culture vessel to another.

Proteins on the outside surface of a cell that are unique to certain cell types, which are visualized using antibodies or other detection methods.