Final answer:
Pluripotent stem cells are coaxed into different specialized cells by exposing them to a specific set of genes and growth factors that direct their differentiation pathway.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cellular Differentiation and Stem Cells
Scientists direct the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into specialized cells by manipulating their environment. They use a specific set of genes and growth factors, which provide the necessary signals for stem cells to develop into specialized cell types. Each type of specialized cell—such as nerve, muscle, or epithelial cells—comes from the same DNA blueprint; however, through the selective expression of genes driven by these external cues, cells are able to assume their unique functions and characteristics.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state. iPSCs, like embryonic stem cells, can differentiate into cell types of all three germ layers, thereby offering a route to generate a wide variety of cell types for research or therapeutic purposes.