Which of the following two cell types can become astrocytes?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Both Type I and Type II glial precursor cells can differentiate into astrocytes.

1) Relevant knowledge points and concepts
- Astrocytes are a major class of CNS glial cells defined by morphology and expression of the intermediate filament protein GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein).
- In developmental and in vitro studies, glial progenitor populations give rise to distinct astrocyte subtypes often referred to as Type I and Type II astrocytes (or type-1/type-2).
- The O-2A (oligodendrocyte-type-2 astrocyte) progenitor lineage can generate oligodendrocytes and type-2 astrocytes under particular conditions, while other progenitors produce type-1 astrocytes; both end up as astrocytic phenotypes.

2) Step-by-step reasoning
- Start from progenitors: certain glial precursor cells in the developing CNS are multipotent for glial fates.
- Under signals that promote astrocytic differentiation (e.g., cytokines, serum factors, BMPs), these progenitors adopt astrocytic morphology and upregulate GFAP.
- In experimental classification, two astrocyte classes are observed: Type I (larger, many processes; GFAP-positive) and Type II (smaller, fewer processes; also GFAP-positive). Both are bona fide astrocytes because they express astrocyte markers and perform astrocytic functions.
- Therefore, both Type I and Type II precursor-derived cells become astrocytes.

3) Calculations
- Not applicable; this is a conceptual developmental biology question.

4) Why the correct answer is correct
- The defining criterion is the astrocytic phenotype (morphology and GFAP expression). Both Type I and Type II cells meet these criteria when they differentiate, so both can become astrocytes.

5) Why other choices would be incorrect
- Any choice claiming only Type I or only Type II become astrocytes is false because experimental evidence shows both classes represent astrocytic outcomes. A choice saying neither becomes astrocytes contradicts established lineage and marker data.

6) Conclusion
- Thus, the correct answer is: Type I and Type II cells. This matches the provided answer.

Which of the following two cell types can become astrocytes?Single choice

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