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Types of Stem Cells by Potency

Part of Stem Cells and Cell Differentiation — GCSE Biology

This diagram covers Types of Stem Cells by Potency within Stem Cells and Cell Differentiation for GCSE Biology. Stem cell types, differentiation processes, therapeutic applications, embryonic vs adult stem cells, and ethical considerations It is section 4 of 16 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Topic position

Section 4 of 16

Practice

20 questions

Recall

25 flashcards

🔬 Types of Stem Cells by Potency

Type Potency Level Can Become Examples
Totipotent Highest Any cell type + extraembryonic tissues (placenta) Fertilized egg, early embryonic cells (first 3-4 divisions)
Pluripotent High Any cell type in the body (all 3 germ layers) Embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
Multipotent Limited Several related cell types within one tissue Bone marrow stem cells, neural stem cells, fat stem cells
Unipotent Lowest One specific cell type only Skin stem cells (keratinocytes only)

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Stem Cells and Cell Differentiation. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Medical Applications of Stem CellsPlant Stem Cells: MeristemsThe Amazing Journey from Stem Cell to Specialized CellTypes of Stem Cells by Source

Practice Questions for Stem Cells and Cell Differentiation

What is a stem cell?

  • A. An undifferentiated cell that can divide to produce many cell types
  • B. A specialized cell found only in plant roots
  • C. A cell that has already differentiated into a nerve cell
  • D. A bacterial cell that divides by binary fission
1 markfoundation

Explain how sperm cells are adapted for their function.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

What does 'totipotent' mean?
The highest level of potency - cells can differentiate into any cell type in the organism plus extraembryonic tissues like the placenta. Example: fertilized egg.
What is a stem cell?
An undifferentiated cell that can divide to produce more stem cells (self-renewal) or differentiate into specialized cell types.

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Medical Applications of Stem Cells

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Plant Stem Cells: Meristems