11 Biology - Stem Cells

Mitosis

Process of cell division that forms two daughter cells as a result.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells with the ability to differentiate and self renew.

Stem cell self-renewal.

Process of stem cell division to produce more stem cells - done through mitosis. Stem cells can renew themselves infinitely.

Differentiation

The process by cells become specialised.

Potency

Stem cell capacity to differentiate into a specific to wide range of specialised cells.

Different Potencies

• Unipotent

• Multipotent

• Pluripotent

• Totipotent

Unipotent

Can differentiate into only one specific cell type.

Multipotent

Can differentiate into a limited number of cell types

Pluripotent

Can differentiate into any body cell type, except the placenta

Totipotent

Can differentiate into any body cell type, including the placenta.