With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only.
2. Stem cells can be used for screenings new drugs.
3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)        

Explanation:

In multicellular organisms, stem cells are undifferentiated or partially differentiated cells that can differentiate into various types of cells and proliferate indefinitely to produce more of the same stem cell.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct because stem cells can be used for screening new drugs and for medical therapies.