stem cells

• What is the definition of a stem cell?

  Undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into any cell type by mitosis
• How do stem cells become specialized?

  Through differentiation by mitosis
• What are the three types of stem cells in mammals?

  • Totipotent stem cells
  • Pluripotent stem cells
  • Multipotent stem cells
• Where are totipotent stem cells found?

  In the zygote stage of development
• What can totipotent stem cells differentiate into?

  Any body cell type and extra embryonic cells that make up the placenta and umbilical chord
• What are pluripotent stem cells designated to become?

  The body of the embryo
• How do pluripotent stem cells differ from totipotent stem cells?

  Pluripotent cannot form extra embryonic cells
• Where are multipotent stem cells typically found?

  In adult long bones and bone marrow
• What types of cells can multipotent stem cells differentiate into?

  Only a limited number of blood cell types
• What blood cell types can multipotent stem cells produce?

  Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets
• What is the process of differentiation in stem cells?

  • Stem cells are undifferentiated
  • They undergo mitosis
  • They become specialized cells