In: Biology
What is the difference between embryonic stem cells (ES) and induced pluripotent cells (iPS)?
Answer) One major difference between Induced pluripotent stem
cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells is their different abilities
in the number and type of differentiated cell types they can
become. Embryonic stem cells can become all cell types of the body
because they are pluripotent. Embryonic stem cells can be grown
relatively easily in culture.
Embryonic stem cells show high degree of proliferation once
isolated while Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are hard to
access and purify.
In embryonic stem cells chromosome length is maintained across
serial passage while in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
chromosomes tend to shorten with ageing.
ES cells are pluripotent, that is, they are able to differentiate into all derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell–like state by being forced to express genes and factors important for maintaining the defining properties of embryonic stem cells.