Stem Cells

Question 1

What are totipotent stem cells and how do they work?

Answer 1

They are able to divide and differentiate into any type of cell and they translate only part of their DNA, resulting in cell specialisation.

Question 2

When are totipotent cells present in humans?

Answer 2

They are only present for a limited time in a human embryo

Question 3

What are pluripotent stem cells?

Answer 3

(Mature). They can divide in unlimited numbers and can be used in treating human disorders. They can specialise into a limited number of cell types

Question 4

What are multipotent stem cells?

Answer 4

(Mature). They can be taken from the bone marrow or umbilical cord and they are able to differentiate into a limited number of cell types.

Question 5

What are unipotent stem cells?

Answer 5

Mature cell that can differentiate into one type of cell

Question 6

What are induced pluripotent stem cells?

Answer 6

Produced from unipotent stem cells, using appropriate transcription factors.

Question 7

What are stem cells?

Answer 7

An undifferentiated cell

Question 8

What are the advantages of stem cells?

Answer 8

• Some unipotent cells can be transformed to iPSCs
• Regenerative properties
• Undergo mitosis limitlessly
• Have low rejection rates

Question 9

What are the disadvantages of stem cell use?

Answer 9

• Totipotent stem cells have to be extracted from an embryo which is morally questionable
• Stem cell research is expensive
• Long- term usage of stem cells is still unknown