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Types and functions of stem cells

Cell biology • Cell division

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • A stem cell is an undifferentiated cell that can divide and produce specialized cells.
  • Potency refers to the range of cell types a stem cell can become: totipotent cells can develop into every cell type of the organism and extra-embryonic tissues; pluripotent cells can develop into nearly all body cell types; multipotent cells can produce several related cell types found in a specific tissue.
  • Limitations on potency arise from developmental stage, local signals, and gene expression patterns.

Flashcards

Test your knowledge with interactive flashcards

Where are root meristems located?

Click to reveal answer

At the very tip of the root (root apical meristem).

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Stem cell potency ranges from totipotent to pluripotent to multipotent; potency decreases with differentiation.

Embryonic stem cells drive organ formation through rapid division and broad differentiation.

Adult stem cells repair specific tissues and reside in niches such as bone marrow.

Bone marrow stem cells are multipotent, yielding red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Meristems support lifelong plant growth by producing any necessary plant cell type.

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