Stem cell types

Question 1

Totipotent

Answer 1

• can divide to produce any body cells
• found in very early stages of embryo
• available for a limited time

Question 2

Pluripotent

Answer 2

• can make most types of cell
• used to treat disorders
• found 3-5 days after fertilisation

Question 3

Multipotent

Answer 3

• can differentiate into a limited number of cells
• found in adult bone marrow cells

Question 4

Unipotent

Answer 4

• can only differentiate into the same, one type of cell

Question 5

Sources of stem cells

Answer 5

• embryos <16 days = pluripotent
• umbilical cord = multipotent
• placenta = multipotent
• bone marrow

Question 6

Induce pluripotent

Answer 6

• produced from adult unipotent
• transcription factors return them to pluripotency
• overcome ethical issue of embryo use