11.4 Cell Differentiation

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What are stem cells?

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Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body.

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What does 'pluripotent' mean?

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Pluripotent refers to the ability of a stem cell to divide and differentiate into many different types of cells.

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What are embryonic stem cells?

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Embryonic stem cells are stem cells derived from early-stage embryos that can develop into any cell type in the body.

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What is the difference between pluripotent and multipotent stem cells?

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Pluripotent stem cells can become any cell type, while multipotent stem cells can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types.

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Where can stem cells be obtained from?

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Stem cells can be obtained from various sources, including embryos, umbilical cord blood, and adult tissues.

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What is the significance of stem cell research?

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Stem cell research is significant for its potential to develop treatments for various diseases and injuries by regenerating damaged tissues.

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What is differentiation in the context of stem cells?

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Differentiation is the process by which stem cells develop into specialized cell types with distinct functions.

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What are adult stem cells?

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Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found in various tissues that can differentiate into specialized cells of that tissue.

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What role do stem cells play in development?

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Stem cells play a crucial role in development by giving rise to all the different cell types that make up an organism.

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What is the ethical concern surrounding embryonic stem cell research?

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The ethical concern revolves around the moral status of the embryo and the implications of using embryos for research.