Question

Which of the following is true about stem cells (select all that apply)(1 point)
Responses

Stem cells can turn into any type of cell: muscle cell, skin cell, nerve cell, etc.
Stem cells can turn into any type of cell: muscle cell, skin cell, nerve cell, etc.

When stem cells specialize (turn into a certain type of cell), the genes that cell does not need are turned off.
When stem cells specialize (turn into a certain type of cell), the genes that cell does not need are turned off.

When a gene is turned off, that means that it will not be turned into a protein at all in that cell’s lifetime.
When a gene is turned off, that means that it will not be turned into a protein at all in that cell’s lifetime.

Stem cells in the embryo are called embryonic stem cells.

Answer 1

Select the first, second, and fourth statements.

- True: Stem cells can become many different cell types (embryonic/pluripotent stem cells can give rise to most cell types).
- True: Specialization involves turning off genes the cell doesn’t need (differential gene expression).
- False: “Turned off” does not necessarily mean a gene will never be expressed again — genes can be reactivated in some circumstances.
- True: Stem cells found in embryos are called embryonic stem cells.