Orphan

High school (ages 12+)
Human Body

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/orphan

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is Orphan?Neurology, cardiology, endocrinology, oncology, orthopedics
2. What is the scientific classification?Undifferentiated cells with self-renewal and differentiation potential
3. What is the primary biological roles?Embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and repair
4. What are orphan cells?Orphan cells are stem cells that can become many different kinds of cells. They can make new cells that help build tissues and organs.
5. Why are stem cells called orphan cells?They are called orphan cells because they are not yet specialized and can become many types. They are like a blank page that can turn into many different pages.

Pluripotency: The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into any of the three germ layers and their derivatives.
Multipotency: The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into a limited range of cell types within a specific lineage or tissue.
Niche: The microenvironment surrounding a stem cell that influences its behavior and fate.
Allogeneic Transplantation: Transplantation of cells or organs from one individual to another of the same species.