Question: Can cells reproduce more cells

Robert Lees answered on 13 Nov 2015:

Yes! Cells can divide in two and produce two copies of themselves. We see this happen with our cells that are in dishes all the time, they will do this forever if they are ‘immortalised’.

In a living organism (like you and me) cells divide to replace other dead and dying cells and damage to tissues in most of your organs. But not all cells divide, neurons do not divide because their function is so special, they need to be in the same place for your entire life!

There are cells called ‘stem’ cells, which have the amazing property of self-renewal, so they can produce one copy of themselves and one new cell. The new cell goes on to divide and replace other dead and dying cells, while the stem cell can sit there until it needs to divide again. Scientists are trying to use these cells for lots of therapies.