OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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How do stem cells differ from specialized cells regarding gene activity?

Stem cells can activate any gene during development
Specialized cells can revert to stem cells
Stem cells have fewer genes than specialized cells
Stem cells respond poorly to environmental changes

The correct answer is: Stem cells can activate any gene during development

Stem cells have the unique ability to activate a wide range of genes, which is crucial for their role in development and differentiation. This flexibility allows stem cells to transform into various specialized cell types, such as muscle cells, nerve cells, or blood cells. During this process, specific genes are turned on while others are silenced, enabling stem cells to develop into different tissues and organs as needed. In contrast, specialized cells have already undergone differentiation and possess a more restricted set of active genes related to their specific functions. This is why a muscle cell will express genes related to muscle contraction, while a nerve cell will express genes important for neurotransmission. Specialized cells do not have the same level of gene activation capability as stem cells, as they are tailored for particular roles in the body. This fundamental difference in gene activity underlines the regenerative and versatile nature of stem cells compared to specialized cells, which have a fixed identity and function.