With reference to ‘stem cells’, frequently in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?1. Stem cells can be derived from mammals only.2. Stem cells can be used for screening new drugs.3. Stem cells can be used for medical therapies.Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
✓ Correct answer: b) 2 and 3 only
ExplanationA stem cell is a special type of cell that can develop into different cell types and has the ability to self-renew, helping in growth, repair, and regeneration of tissues in the body.Statement 1 is incorrect: Stem cells are not exclusive to mammals.They can be derived from a variety of organisms, including plants, non-mammalian animals, and other sources.For instance, plants have meristematic cells (responsible for the root and shoot growth of plants), which function similarly to stem cells in animals.Statement 2 is correct: Stem cells, especially induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells, are used in drug screening and toxicity testing.They help in assessing drug responses in a controlled laboratory setting.Statement 3 is correct: Stem cells have significant applications in regenerative medicine, including treatments for blood disorders (like leukemia), neurodegenerative diseases, and tissue repair.Bone marrow transplants, for example, rely on hematopoietic stem cells.47
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