Human embryonic stem cell colonies. This phase contrast image shows two human embryonic stem cell colonies growing on a feeder layer of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The stem cells actually grow in between the fibroblasts. The feeder layer helps provide nutrition for the stem cells as well as factors that keep them from differentiating. This is a live cell preparation that was imaged using a Nikon inverted Eclipse microscope.
Biological Process: Stem cell proliferation
Author: Prue Talbot
Source: The Cell: An Image Library
