Question

Describe the phases/stages of a stem cell. What is the most likely type of cells that form during the first few divisions?
answer in three sentences

Answer 1

Stem cells typically undergo several key phases: the initial undifferentiated phase, followed by asymmetric division where one stem cell remains undifferentiated while the other becomes a progenitor cell, and then subsequent differentiation stages where progenitor cells develop into specialized cell types. During the first few divisions, the most likely type of cells formed are progenitor cells that retain the potential to differentiate into various cell lineages. As development progresses, these progenitor cells may further specialize into specific functional cells, such as muscle, nerve, or blood cells, depending on the tissue context.