​Breast cancer stem cells may be identified by analyzing the CD24/CD44 phenotype of a breast tumor. CD24/CD44 stained cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and the analysis is shown below.​

​Further analyses of the sorted cells from different quadrants (Q1 to Q4) by immunoblotting revealed the following results. The dotted lines represent lanes with negligible signal.​

​Based on the above results, which phenotype is associated with the maximum number of breast cancer stem cells?​

Correct option is C

EXPLANATION-

1. Identify Cancer stem cell markers

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) express stemness markers such as SOX_{2 ,} OCT₄, NANOG.

                  These markers are highly expressed in quadrant 1 (Q1) , while they are negligible in Q2 , Q3 and Q4.

2. Determining the phenotype of Q1

                  From the flow cytometry plot, Q1 corresponds to CD24^- / CD44⁺​

3. Conclusion- 

                  Since the breast cancerstem cells are enriched in Q1, the phenotype associated with the maximum number of breast cancer stem cells is ​CD24^-/ CD44⁺

So, the correct option is (c)  CD24^-/ CD44⁺