Stem Cells and Their Applications

What is a key characteristic of a totipotent stem cell?

• It can only form blood cells.

• It can differentiate into any cell type, including placental cells.

• It is found only in adults.

• It is limited to forming nerve cells.

Why are pluripotent stem cells from embryos considered valuable for medical research?

• They are only found in bone marrow.

• They are easy to extract from adults.

• They are not subject to any ethical concerns.

• They can differentiate into any cell type except placental cells.

What is the main ethical concern regarding the use of embryonic stem cells?

• They are derived from embryos, which some consider as human life.

• They are not effective in treating diseases.

• They are difficult to grow in labs.

• They can only be used for cancer research.

How are fibroblasts reprogrammed to become induced pluripotent stem cells?

• By exposing them to high temperatures.

• By introducing specific genes like ox4, soc3, klf4, and cmyc.

• By mixing them with embryonic stem cells.

• By placing them in a nutrient-rich solution.

What is a limitation of adult stem cells compared to embryonic stem cells?

• They can form any cell type, including placental cells.

• They are easier to extract and grow.

• They are more ethically controversial.

• They can only differentiate into a limited number of cell types.

What is therapeutic cloning primarily used for in stem cell research?

• To enhance the growth of adult stem cells.

• To produce pluripotent stem cells without ethical issues.

• To replace damaged DNA in cells.

• To create identical twins.

What is a potential risk associated with induced pluripotent stem cells?

• They are not effective in treating any diseases.

• They can only be used once.

• They are more expensive to produce than embryonic stem cells.

• They may promote cancer development.

What is the main advantage of using therapeutic cloning for organ transplants?

• It eliminates the need for immunosuppressant drugs.

• It can be done without any ethical concerns.

• It is less expensive than traditional methods.

• It is faster than using donor organs.

Which of the following is a potential application of stem cell therapy?

• Improving eyesight in healthy individuals.

• Enhancing athletic performance.

• Curing the common cold.

• Treating type 1 diabetes.

What is the role of transcription factors in cell differentiation?

• They prevent cells from dividing.

• They control the expression of genes necessary for differentiation.

• They increase the size of the cell.

• They are only active in adult cells.