Cell Theory and Stem Cells Worksheet

According to the Cell Theory, what is the smallest structural and functional unit capable of carrying out life processes?

• Molecule

• Organ

• Cell

• Tissue

Answer explanation

According to Cell Theory, the cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of life. It is capable of carrying out all life processes, making it the correct answer compared to molecules, organs, and tissues.

Approximately how many cells are estimated to be in the human body?

Answer explanation

The human body is estimated to contain about 100 trillion (10^{14}) cells, making this the correct choice. This estimate accounts for various cell types and their functions within the body.

According to the Cell Theory, all new cells and new life arise only from what?

• From inorganic matter

• From spontaneous protein synthesis

• Preexisting cells

• Specialized organelles

Answer explanation

According to the Cell Theory, all new cells arise from preexisting cells, meaning that life cannot spontaneously generate from non-living matter or organelles. This principle emphasizes the continuity of life through cellular division.

Which type of stem cell has the potential to develop into an entire complete organism?

• Pluripotent stem cells

• Totipotent stem cells

• Multipotent stem cells

• Unipotent stem cells

Answer explanation

Totipotent stem cells can develop into a complete organism, as they can differentiate into all cell types, including those needed for embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. In contrast, pluripotent, multipotent, and unipotent stem cells have more limited potential.

Which stem cells are often called 'true stem cells' because they can differentiate into almost any cell type in the body, but cannot form an entire complete organism?

• Multipotent stem cells

• Unipotent stem cells

• Totipotent stem cells

• Pluripotent stem cells

Answer explanation

Pluripotent stem cells are often called 'true stem cells' because they can differentiate into almost any cell type in the body, but they cannot form an entire organism, distinguishing them from totipotent stem cells.

Hematopoietic cells are an example of which type of stem cell, capable of giving rise to several different cell types but limited in their differentiation potential?

• Unipotent stem cells

• Oligopotent stem cells

• Multipotent stem cells

• Totipotent stem cells

Answer explanation

Hematopoietic cells are classified as multipotent stem cells because they can differentiate into multiple cell types, such as red blood cells and white blood cells, but not into every cell type, which distinguishes them from totipotent cells.

Oligopotent stem cells are defined by their ability to differentiate into how many cell types?

• Almost all cell types in the body

• Only one cell type

• A few specific cell types

• The entire organism

Answer explanation

Oligopotent stem cells can differentiate into a few specific cell types, unlike pluripotent or totipotent stem cells, which can form almost all cell types or an entire organism. Thus, the correct answer is 'A few specific cell types'.

Unipotent stem cells are capable of differentiating into how many cell types?

• Two cell types

• Many cell types within the same lineage

• Only one cell type

• Three cell types

Answer explanation

Unipotent stem cells can only differentiate into one specific cell type, distinguishing them from multipotent or pluripotent stem cells, which can form multiple types. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Only one cell type'.

What is the typical size (diameter) of a cell as mentioned in the material?

Answer explanation

The typical size of a cell is around 10^{-5} m, which corresponds to 10 micrometers. This size is common for many types of cells, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

According to the Cell Theory, the functional activities of each cell depend on what?

• Specific structural properties of the cell

• The number of surrounding cells

Answer explanation

According to Cell Theory, the functional activities of each cell are determined by its specific structural properties, which dictate how the cell operates and interacts with its environment.