How do somatic cells work?

Somatic cells divide through the process of mitosis, where one somatic cell duplicates its DNA and splits into two identical daughter cells. One of these cells remains a stem cell, while the other differentiates into the specific type of cell needed by the body. 

Somatic cells are present in almost all tissues and organs, with around 220 different types in the human body, each specialized for various functions. For example, bone cells, skin cells, and muscle cells are all somatic cells that perform specific roles depending on their location.

Adult stem cells, a type of somatic cell, play a critical role in replacing old or damaged cells and maintaining tissue homeostasis. They have the potential to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cells, though their potency is more limited compared to embryonic stem cells. These adult stem cells are key for processes such as tissue repair and regeneration.