Stem cell gene expression. Gene expression colormap for blood and neural stem cells. All cells contain a complete copy of an organism's genetic information in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). But in each different cell type only certain genes are switched on (expressed), while others remain inactive. Some genes are expressed in all cells. This colormap shows genes that have a higher expression rate in neural stem cells than blood stem cells as green and those that have a lower expression rate red. Stem cells are multipotent cells that can differentiate into a number of different cell types. Neural stem cells may become neurons (nerve cells) or glial cells (support cells). Blood stem cells may become red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets.