Question
Which of the following is true of adult somatic stem cells? They are obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastdeyst They are multipotent They are totipotent They are only present in the early embryo They are capable of differentiating into all specialized cell types
Solution
4.7
(297 Votes)
Heidi
Advanced ยท Tutor for 1 years
Answer
The correct answer is: **They are multipotent.**Here's why:* **Multipotent:** Adult somatic stem cells can differentiate into a limited range of cell types within a specific tissue or organ. For example, hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow can give rise to various blood cells, but not to cells of a different tissue type like muscle or nerve.Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:* **They are obtained from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst:** This describes embryonic stem cells, not adult somatic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst (an early-stage embryo) and are pluripotent.* **They are totipotent:** Totipotent cells can differentiate into *all* cell types, including the extraembryonic tissues (like the placenta). Only the zygote and the first few cell divisions are truly totipotent.* **They are only present in the early embryo:** Adult somatic stem cells are present throughout life, although their numbers and activity may decline with age.* **They are capable of differentiating into all specialized cell types:** This describes pluripotent stem cells, like embryonic stem cells. Adult somatic stem cells are multipotent, meaning they have a more restricted differentiation potential.