In cytology, a precursor cell, also called a blast cell or simply blast, is a type of partially differentiated, usually unipotent cell that has lost most or all of the stem cell multipotency.

Usually precursor cells are cells capable of differentiating into one or two closely related final forms. Sometimes precursor cell is used as an alternative term for multipotent stem cells.

A blastoma is a type of cancer created by malignancies of precursor cells.

In embryology, precursor cells are group of cells what differentiate later into one organ.

Articles About Precursor Cell

Handout photo of baby mice born from sperm produced from stem cells
Experts grow mouse sperm to help with human infertility

By Reuters

Researchers in Japan used embryonic stem cells to grow healthy mouse sperm on laboratory dishes, a development which could help treat human infertility, they said Friday. (Aug 06, 2011)

MORE TOPICS: JAPAN, CANCER

Human Infertility May Be Aided by Mouse Sperm

By IBTimes UK

Mouse sperm made from stem cells and used to treat infertile mice marks a step forward for regenerative medicine, according to researchers in Japan. (Aug 05, 2011)

MORE TOPICS: JAPAN, CANCER

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