Basis of differentiation | Adult stem cells | Embryonic stem cells |
Definition | Are a type of stem cells which exist in differentiated tissues and organs of adults and adolescents | Are a type of stem cells which are present in the early stages of embryonic development (in early blastocyst stage) |
Growth in cell culture | Highly difficult | Relatively easy |
Cell potency | Multipotent | Pluripotent |
Location | Bone marrow, liver, skin, blood, brain, skeletal muscles | Blastocysts |
Obstacles | Must receive patient consent | Presents ethical issues since it involves the degradation of human embryos |
Chances of rejection in transplants | Adult stem cells are believed to be less likely to be rejected | Depends on the origin of the tissue |