What is a stem cell line?

A stem cell line is a group of identical stem cells which are grown and nourished in a lab setting. Stem cells are the body’s raw material and are the cell types in which all cells with specific functions are produced. A line is derived from either a single cell or a group of cells, and all the resulting cells in the line which are identical to the parent cells. Cells in a stem cell line are continuously replicating, however, they do not differentiate into specialized cells. Under optimum physiological conditions, they would not possess any genetic alterations and produce additional stem cells. Groups of cells can be extracted from a cell line and frozen to be used for future use. Scientists working with these lines are able to grow large amounts of stem cells. These cell lines are typically used for in- vitro methods such as genetic research and regenerative medicine.