Reports in the media about stem cells usually state that they “turn into any kind of cell in the body.” Explain why this statement is only partially correct, including a description of how a stem cell maintains the population of stem cells.

Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Chapter22: Genes And Disease: Cancer
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Reports in the media about stem cells usually state that they “turn into any kind of cell in the body.” Explain why this statement is only partially correct, including a description of how a stem cell maintains the population of stem cells.

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Stem cells are unspecialized or undifferentiated cells that have the ability to differentiate into other cells and self-regenerate. These cells divide to produce one daughter cell that remains a stem cell and one that divides and differentiates. Because the division of stem cells produces new stem cells as well as differentiated daughter cells, stem cells are self renewing populations of cells and produce differentiated cells throughout life. 

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