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During a lecture on stem cells, the professor mentions that the first few cells produced after fertilization are totipotent and divide into which types of cells? Select all that apply.

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Final answer:

The totipotent stem cells produced after fertilization can differentiate into any cell necessary for organism growth, particularly embryonic stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The totipotent stem cells that result from the division of the zygote have the exceptional potential to develop into any cell type within an organism. Initially, these cells can differentiate into embryonic stem cells, which are precursors to the three fundamental tissue layers of an embryo. These embryonic stem cells are classified as pluripotent, possessing the capability to transform into any cell type of the human body but unable to support the full development of an organism on their own. As development progresses, pluripotent cells become more specialized into multipotent cells. Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into various cells within a particular lineage, such as hematopoietic stem cells which give rise to red and white blood cells.

Thus, following fertilization, the totipotent cells can divide into various cell types including embryonic stem cells, multiple forms of blood cells, and other specialized cells as the embryo develops. Specifically, totipotent cells can give rise to both embryonic stem cells (b. embryonic stem cells) and hematopoietic stem cells (d. hematopoietic stem cells).

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