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A stem cell divides into 2 daughter cells. One daughter cell is a clone of the original stem cell and remains a stem cell, while the other daughter cell differentiates. What is this an example of?

a. symmetrical differentiating cell division
b. asymmetric self-renewing cell division

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Final answer:

This is an example of asymmetric self-renewing cell division, where a stem cell divides into one cell that remains a stem cell and another that differentiates into a specialized cell type.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a stem cell divides into two daughter cells, with one cell remaining a stem cell and the other differentiating into a specialized cell, this is an example of asymmetric self-renewing cell division. This process is central to the development of a complex organism from a single fertilized egg. Cellular differentiation is facilitated by transcription factors which influence gene expression, leading to specialized cell types with unique functions and morphologies.

Stem cells exhibit the remarkable capability to divide indefinitely and have the potential to differentiate into a variety of cell types depending on their categorization, which includes totipotent stem cells, capable of differentiating into any cell type. During mitosis, the parent stem cell gives rise to daughter cells—one that retains the stem cell characteristics for self-renewal and one that will differentiate.

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