With reference to the latest developments in stem cell research, consider the following statements:
- The only source of human stem cells are the embryos at blastocyst stage
- The stem cells can be derived without causing destruction to blastocysts
- The stem cells can regenerate themselves in vitro virtually forever
- Indian research centres also created a few cell lines which can be developed into many types of tissues
Which of these statements are correct?
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
- 1, 2 and 3
- 1, 2 and 4
- 3 and 4
Explanation
Option (d) is correct
- Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect because human stem cells are not obtained only from blastocyst-stage embryos; they can also be derived from adult tissues, umbilical cord blood, and induced pluripotent stem cells. Further, embryonic stem cell extraction traditionally involves destruction of the blastocyst. Statement 3 is correct as stem cells possess self-renewal capacity and can regenerate themselves in vitro for very long periods. Statement 4 is also correct because Indian research centres have developed stem cell lines capable of differentiating into various types of tissues.
