Frameworks and Representation of Cells and Genes I. Lineages (Dröscher, Brauckmann, Serpente)

Today, the current definition of stem cell is increasingly objected. Shinya Yamanaka's works may represent the crossroads of a profound rethinking. Besides the experimental results there are also historical reasons that have formed our understandings and conceptions of stem cells. In particular, Ernst Haeckel's metaphor and August Weismann's model and diagram of development had and still have great explanatory power. My talk will focus on the role of historical diagrams, especially stem trees, cell trees and cell lineages.