non therapeutic uses of stem cells

Question 1

What are totipotent stem cells?

Answer 1

Totipotent stem cells are found in early-stage embryos (up to ~5 days) and can differentiate into any cell type, including extra-embryonic tissues like the placenta. They have the potential to grow whole replacement organs.

Question 2

Why are totipotent stem cells considered highly valuable?

Answer 2

Totipotent stem cells are valuable because they can differentiate into any cell type, making them potentially useful for the growth of whole replacement organs.

Question 3

What are pluripotent stem cells?

Answer 3

Pluripotent stem cells are found in embryos and can differentiate into a range of cell types, but not all. They gradually commit to specific pathways of differentiation during development.

Question 4

How do pluripotent stem cells differentiate?

Answer 4

Pluripotent stem cells differentiate along a series of steps, where the cells gradually commit to particular pathways based on developmental cues, but they cannot differentiate into every possible cell type.

Question 5

What are multipotent stem cells?

Answer 5

Multipotent stem cells are found in the adult body and are more restricted in their differentiation potential. They can differentiate into several related cell types.

Question 6

Can you give an example of a multipotent stem cell?

Answer 6

An example of a multipotent stem cell is the haematopoietic stem cell in the bone marrow, which can differentiate into various types of blood cells.