Multiple Choice
In the context of stem cells and tissue renewal, what is the term for the formation of blood cells (including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets)?
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19. Stem Cells
Stem Cells
Multiple Choice
In the context of stem cells, which type of cell is capable of self-renewal (the ability to divide and maintain an undifferentiated state over many generations)?
A
Stem cell
B
Terminally differentiated cell (e.g., mature neuron)
C
Erythrocyte (red blood cell)
D
Skeletal muscle fiber (myofiber)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of self-renewal: it is the ability of a cell to divide and produce at least one daughter cell that remains undifferentiated, maintaining the stem cell pool over many generations.
Recall the characteristics of stem cells: they have the unique capacity to both self-renew and differentiate into specialized cell types.
Consider terminally differentiated cells, such as mature neurons, erythrocytes, and skeletal muscle fibers: these cells have exited the cell cycle and do not divide or maintain an undifferentiated state.
Compare the options given: only stem cells possess the ability to self-renew and remain undifferentiated through multiple cell divisions.
Conclude that the cell type capable of self-renewal and maintaining an undifferentiated state over many generations is the stem cell.
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