AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can give rise to every cell type in the fully formed body, but not the placenta and umbilical cord. These cells are incredibly valuable because they provide a renewable resource for studying normal development and disease, and for testing drugs and other therapies.

Detailed explanation-2: -Embryonic cells within the first couple of cell divisions after fertilization are the only cells that are totipotent. Pluripotent cells can give rise to all of the cell types that make up the body; embryonic stem cells are considered pluripotent.

Detailed explanation-3: -Scientists use “embryonic stem cell” as a general term for pluripotent stem cells that are made using embryos or eggs, rather than for cells genetically reprogrammed from the body.

Detailed explanation-4: -Embryonic stem (ES) cells are totipotent stem cells, able to differentiate into all types of somatic and germ-line tissues in vitro (61).

Detailed explanation-5: -Since this small number of cells will become a complete baby, these early cells must have the ability to become every cell in the body, like skin cells, muscle cells, liver cells, or brain cells. Because of this ability, these cells are called pluripotent (“pluri” = a lot; “potent” = ability).