Question

Explain how human embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and skin cells taken from the same person would be the same and how they would be different. Explain what causes the differences you describe.

Answer 1

There would be many differences as well as many similarities between these cells.

Similarities: All these cells will have the same DNA, the same chromosomes. The organelles in the cells would be the same.

Differences:

Embryonic cells are totipotent. They have the capability to divide into every cell of the body.

Adult stem cells are pluripotent. They have the ability of divide into some different types of cells.

Skin cells can only divide into skin cells.