Question

List the four types of stem cells, give an example of each type, and explain how much each type can differentiate.

a) Totipotent
b) Pluripotent
c) Multipotent
d) Unipotent

Answer 1

There are four types of stem cells: totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, and unipotent. Each type has a different level of differentiation potential.

Step-by-step explanation:

The four types of stem cells are:

1. Totipotent stem cells: These can differentiate into any type of cell in the human body. An example of a totipotent stem cell is the zygote, or fertilized egg.
2. Pluripotent stem cells: These can differentiate into most cell types in the human body, but not into the supporting fetal membranes. An example of a pluripotent stem cell is the embryonic stem cell.
3. Multipotent stem cells: These can differentiate into a limited number of cell types within a specific lineage. For example, hematopoietic stem cells can differentiate into various types of blood cells.
4. Unipotent stem cells: These can only differentiate into one type of cell. An example of a unipotent stem cell is the adult epithelial stem cell, which gives rise to keratinocytes in the skin.

The differentiation potential of each type of stem cell depends on its level of potency, with totipotent stem cells being the most versatile and unipotent stem cells being the least versatile.