Topic 3 - Lesson 10

Question 1

Stem Cells and Totipotency

Answer 1

Stem cells are unspecialised cells which have the ability to become specialised cells, such as heart cells or neurons. The process by which a stem cell is converted from an unspecialised cell to a specialised cell is called cell differentiation. Stem cells have an unlimited capacity to divide and can produce lots more stem cells by mitosis.

Question 2

Totipotent

Answer 2

Totipotent cells divide into any type of cell (including the extraembryonic cells which make up the placenta and umbilical cord).

Question 3

Pluripotent

Answer 3

pluripotent cells can divide into any type of cell except the extraembryonic cells.

Question 4

Multipotent

Answer 4

these cells can divide into a handful of different cell types

Question 5

Unipotent

Answer 5

these cells can only divide into one type of cell