Stem Cells and Regeneration · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following best describes a multipotent stem cell?

It can generate all body cell types including extra-embryonic cells.
It differentiates into several related cell types within one lineage.
It can only produce one specific type of cell.
It has completely lost the ability to self-renew.

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Correct answer: It differentiates into several related cell types within one lineage.

Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into several cell types within a related family (e.g. hematopoietic stem cells producing various blood cell types) — more restricted than pluripotent but still versatile.

Difficulty: Medium Question 4 of 20

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