[Campbell Biology P.489] Based on the information provided regarding stem cells and cloned o... | Practice Question

Based on the information provided regarding stem cells and cloned organisms, which of the following statements is true?

  • A: Totipotent plant cells can only differentiate into a limited range of specialized tissues, not an entire plant.
  • B: Embryonic stem (ES) cells are readily available and widely used in medical research due to their ease of acquisition.
  • C: Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are differentiated cells that are genetically reprogrammed to exhibit properties similar to embryonic stem cells.
  • D: Organismal cloning, such as through nuclear transplantation, primarily aims to produce isolated stem cell lines for therapeutic purposes.

Explanation

Option C accurately describes iPS cells as differentiated cells reprogrammed to resemble ES cells, which is consistent with the text. Option A is incorrect because totipotent plant cells can generate a complete new plant. Option B is incorrect because the text states ES cells are difficult to acquire. Option D is incorrect as nuclear transplantation is described as leading to a new animal, referring to organismal cloning.