Video Transcript
A student writes, “Stem cells in
humans are specialized cells that can differentiate into a range of body cells.” What is incorrect about this
statement? (A) Stem cells can only
differentiate into one or two different types of cells. (B) Stem cells cannot differentiate
at all. (C) Stem cells are unspecialized,
not specialized. (D) This statement is completely
correct.
Let’s first learn about stem cells
then come back to the question to see if we can determine the right answer.
Cells can be specialized or
unspecialized. Specialized cells are
differentiated. They have developed features that
help them to carry out their particular role successfully. For example, red blood cells are
specialized for transporting oxygen. White blood cells are specialized
for fighting pathogens. And neurons are specialized for
transmitting electrical impulses.
Stem cells, by contrast, are
unspecialized. They have yet to develop unique
structures to help them with any specific functions. There are two main types of stem
cell: pluripotent and multipotent. Pluripotent stem cells have the
ability to develop into almost any type of cell. Multipotent stem cells can only
differentiate into certain types of cells.
Hematopoietic stem cells, or blood
stem cells, are multipotent. They can only differentiate into
different types of white or red blood cells, as shown in the diagram. A hematopoietic stem cell couldn’t
become a neuron or epithelial cell.
Now that we have learnt about stem
cells, let’s have another look at our question. A student writes, “Stem cells in
humans are specialized cells that can differentiate into a range of body cells.” What is incorrect about this
statement? We now know that the incorrect part
of the statement is the use of the term “specialized” to describe a stem cell. Stem cells are unspecialized cells
with the potential to become specialized cells. So the correct answer is (C); stem
cells are unspecialized, not specialized.
