Chapter 21, Problem 1RTC

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

Two properties to define stem cells. Difference between totipotent stem cell, pluripotent stem cells, and precursor (progenitor) cell.

Introduction:

Stem cells have the ability to differentiate to produce other cells of the body. There are two types of stem cells in humans; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Hematopoietic stem cells is an example of adult stem cells that are used to produce different types of blood cells.

Explanation of Solution

Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into a variety of other cells and have the property of self-renewal. Totipotent are the type of stem cells that can differentiate into any type of cell found in the body and placental cells.Zygote is an example of a totipotent cell. Pluripotent stem cells are the cells that can differentiate into any cell of the body but not the placental cells.

These cells are found in the developing embryo where they differentiate to produce multipotent cells, which then differentiates and divides to form all the organs of the body. A progenitor is a type of stem cell that can differentiate into a particular type of cell. Examples of progenitor cells include satellite cells that differentiates into muscle cells, radial glial cells, that differentiates into cortex cells of the brain and periosteum that develops into osteoblasts and chondroblasts.

Conclusion

Stem cells are the cells that can self-replicate and differentiate into other types of cells. Totipotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell including the placental cells, pluripotent cells can differentiate into any cell except the placental cells and progenitors differentiates into specific types of cells.