GATE 2023 BT – Question 41
Which of the following statement(s) is(are) TRUE about induced pluripotent stem cells?
Practise this question in The GATE Grind →
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (A) They can self-renew; (B) They require specific signals to maintain their stemness; (D) They can form organoids in vitro
Explanation
**Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)** are made by reprogramming somatic cells with factors such as OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC.
- **A. They can self-renew.** True, like embryonic stem cells they divide indefinitely. ✓
- **B. They need specific signals to maintain stemness.** True. Culture conditions (for example FGF2 and a feeder layer or defined matrix) are needed to keep them pluripotent; without them they differentiate. ✓
- **C. They cannot be genetically manipulated.** False. iPSCs are routinely edited (for example with CRISPR) for disease models and therapy.
- **D. They can form organoids in vitro.** True. Under 3D culture and the right signals they self-organise into organoids. ✓
Answer **A, B and D**.