If expanded over many passages in culture, the cells can degrade, much like they do due to age. For this reason, it is advantageous to start with sufficient num

If expanded over many passages in culture, the cells can degrade, much like they do due to age. For this reason, it is advantageous to start with sufficient numbers (thousands), rather than a few cells. However, as mentioned, we have improved culture conditions greatly in the last decade (ex. growing mesenchymal stem cells in a 3D matrix rather than flat on plates), which has extended our ability to generate more cells.