Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a true stem cell?
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Correct answer: Self-renewal and differentiation into other cell types
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can self-renew (i.e. make more stem cells) and differentiate into specialized cell types — allowing tissue maintenance and repair.
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More Stem Cells and Regeneration questions
- Which term best describes stem cells that can give rise to all cell types of the adult body (but not extra-embryonic tissues)?
- Which type of stem cell is most important for ongoing tissue maintenance and repair in adult organisms?
- Which of the following best describes a multipotent stem cell?
- Which of the following stem cell sources requires ethical considerations because they are derived from early embryos?
- What is the main advantage of using Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in regenerative medicine compared to embryonic stem cells?
- Which of the following best describes the concept of a stem cell “niche”?