Question

Assertion A: Hematopoietic stem cells are considered multipotent precursors.
Reason R: They have the ability to differentiate into different types of blood cells.

• A. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is correct but R is not correct
• D. A is not correct but R is correct

Hint:

Multi = Many. If a cell makes "many" types within one system (like blood), it's multipotent.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Concept
Potency in stem cells refers to their differentiation potential.

Step 2: Meaning
Multipotent cells can develop into more than one cell type, but are limited to a specific lineage or family of cells.

Step 3: Analysis
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in the bone marrow and give rise to all blood cell types (red cells, white cells, platelets). Because they can form multiple specific types of blood cells, they are defined as multipotent.

Step 4: Conclusion
Assertion A is true, and Reason R correctly defines why they are called multipotent. Final Answer: (A)