Tem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to continue to grow and divide in their nonspecialized state for long
periods of time (e.g., months or years). Although the genes found within stem cells are the same, stem cells differentiate into unique cell types (e.g., muscle cells, nerve cells, etc.) due to
A)mutations in their genetic code.
B)different patterns in their gene expression.
C)meiotic division and fertilization.
D)random segregation and proliferation.
Correct answer: B). Different patterns in their gene expression.
The stem cell is a special type of cell that has the potential to develop into other types of cell. It has self-renewal property that can give rise to any type of cell of the body. Gene is expressed due to the specific combination of genes that turned off and on that regulate how the cell functions.
These cells start to divide in an asymmetrical manner in order to produce a large variety of cells with the unique gene expression, functional and morphological characteristics.
