Question

The following are statements about stem cells:
a. There are unspecialized/undifferentiated cells.
b. They can be transformed into any type of body cell.
c. They can multiply rapidly to form a large number of similar types of cells.
d. They cannot transform into cardiac cells or nerve cells.
e. They are obtained from reproductive progeny only.
The correct statements are:
A. a, b, c only
B. c, d, e only
C. a, c, e only
D. b, c, e only

Answer 1

Hint: Stem cells are a type of cell that is able to differentiate and have self – renewal property. Two types of stem cells are present – embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.

Complete answer:
1. Statement a: Stem cells are undifferentiated or unspecialized cells. They can give rise to any kind of cell that is seen in the body. Thus, the statement is correct.
2. Statement b: Stem cells can be transformed into any kind of body cell. For example, a stem cell can give rise to the neuronal cell, blood cells, muscle cells, etc. So, the statement b is correct.
3. Statement c: Stem cells can divide rapidly and are able to form a large number of cells. For example, from one stem cell that forms blood cells can divide and form a subset of blood cells only. The blood cells will include RBC, WBC, and platelets – that can serve similar functions. Thus, statement c is correct.
4. Statement d: Stem cells can make cardiac cells as well as nerve cells. Or we can say nerve cells and cardiac cells are only made from stem cells. Thus, statement d is wrong.
5. Statement e: Stem cells are not obtained from reproductive progeny; rather it is obtained from blastula cells. Thus, statement e is wrong.

So, the correct answer is “Option A. a, b, c only”.

Note: Stem cells can be divided into four types –
Totipotent stem cells: From these stem cells all types of cells can be formed.
Pluripotent stem cells: From these stem cells many types of cells can be formed except trophoblast.
Multipotent stem cells: From these stem cells a similar subset of cells is formed that can serve a similar function.
Unipotent stem cells: From these stem cells particular one type of cells from. For example, the ovum is formed from only one type of stem cells by the oogenesis process.