What are the characteristics of stem cells? (Select all that apply)
A)Totipotent stem cells are part of a committed pathway within one cell lineage that will give rise to one specific cell type.
B)Pluripotent stem cells are descendants of the totipotent stem cells of the embryo.
C)A fertilized egg is a type of totipotent stem cell.
D)Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type,except for totipotent stem cells and the cells of the placenta.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A is incorrect as it describes a committed pathway within one cell lineage, which is actually a characteristic of unipotent stem cells. 
B is correct as it describes the lineage of pluripotent stem cells. 
C is correct as a fertilized egg has the potential to differentiate into any cell type, making it a totipotent stem cell. 
D is correct as pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type except for those of the placenta and totipotent stem cells.

What Are the Characteristics of Stem Cells? (Select All That