With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
- Stem cells can be derived from mammals only.
- Stem cells can be used for screenings new drugs.
- 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.