Final answer:
The question's assertion about embryonic stem cell markers using connexin protein channels to signal cell differentiation is false. Embryonic stem cells specialize into different cell types primarily through regulated gene expression directed by transcription factor proteins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Embryonic stem cells are of great interest to researchers because they are pluripotent, which means they can become many different cell types during growth and differentiation. The claim in the question that embryonic stem cell markers, which are molecules expressed on the cells' surface, interact and signal adjacent cells through channels comprised of the protein connexin, is false. While stem cells do use various signaling pathways to communicate with each other, the specific mechanism described in the question is not the sole or definitive way embryonic stem cells 'know' what cell to become. Instead, cell differentiation is heavily influenced by gene expression regulated by different transcription factor proteins. These transcription factor proteins bind to DNA and either promote or repress the transcription of genes, leading to the differentiation of cells into various cell types.