stem cells

What is a stem cell?

A cell that can develop into different types of specialized cells in the body.

What can a totipotent stem cell become?

Any cell in the body and the placenta (it can form an entire organism).

What is an example of a totipotent stem cell?

A fertilized egg (zygote).

What can a pluripotent stem cell become?

Any cell in the body, but not the placenta.

What are examples of pluripotent stem cells?

Human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

What are the three germ layers formed from pluripotent cells?

Endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm.

What does the endoderm form?

Organs like the lungs and pancreas.

What does the mesoderm form?

Muscles, blood, and the heart.

What does the ectoderm form?

The skin and neurons.

What can multipotent stem cells do?

They can make only a few types of cells within one tissue or organ group.

Where are multipotent stem cells found?

In bone marrow, skin, umbilical cord blood, and baby teeth.

What are specialized cells?

Fully developed cells that perform specific functions (like red blood cells, neurons, or skin cells).