Properities of stem cells

Question 1

What are the three properities?

Answer 1

1. Stem cells are undifferentiated
2. capable of self-renewal
3. can differentiate

Question 2

Explain why stem cells are undifferentiated

Answer 2

have not developed into cells that perform specific function

Question 3

Explain how stem cells capable of self-renewal

Answer 3

-divide and produce copies of themselves
mitotically
-> increase pool of progeny in blastocyst
=>further divide via a series of precusor cell division, forming 1/3 germ layers

Question 4

Explain why stem cells can differentiate

Answer 4

• divide and produce cells that have the potential to become other more specific cells
• > repair and replace damaged or diseased cells