Which of the following is a valid difference between embryonic stem cells and the stem cells found in adult tissues? a. In laboratory culture, only adult stem cells are immortal. b. In nature, only embryonic stem cells give rise to all the different types of cells in the organism. c. Only adult stem cells can differentiate in culture. d. Embryonic stem cells are generally more difficult to grow in culture than adult stem cells.

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1. Identify the key characteristics of embryonic stem cells: Embryonic stem cells are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst and have the potential to differentiate into any cell type of the body, which is known as pluripotency.
2. Identify the key characteristics of adult stem cells: Adult stem cells are found in various tissues of the body and are generally multipotent, meaning they can develop into a limited number of cell types related to their tissue of origin.
3. Evaluate option a: Consider whether immortality in culture is a characteristic exclusive to adult stem cells or if it applies to embryonic stem cells as well.
4. Evaluate option b: Assess the statement regarding the ability of embryonic stem cells to give rise to all different types of cells in an organism and compare this with the differentiation potential of adult stem cells.
5. Evaluate option c and d: Analyze the claims about the differentiation capabilities of adult stem cells in culture and the relative difficulty of culturing embryonic versus adult stem cells.

Key Concepts

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, which can differentiate into any cell type in the body. This unique ability makes them valuable for research and potential therapeutic applications, as they can give rise to all three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells, also known as somatic or tissue-specific stem cells, are multipotent cells found in various tissues throughout the body. They have a more limited differentiation potential compared to embryonic stem cells, typically giving rise to cell types specific to the tissue in which they reside, such as blood cells or nerve cells.

Stem Cell Culture

Stem cell culture refers to the process of growing stem cells in a controlled laboratory environment. The growth characteristics of embryonic and adult stem cells differ significantly; embryonic stem cells can proliferate indefinitely under the right conditions, while adult stem cells often have limited growth potential and may require specific signals to maintain their undifferentiated state.