What is a key characteristic of stem cells?

Stem cells are unique because they have the remarkable ability to differentiate into various cell types. This means that they can develop into specialized cells that perform different functions in the body, such as muscle cells, nerve cells, or blood cells. This capability is fundamental to their role in growth, development, and repair in organisms.

Stem cells are crucial in medical research and treatments, as their ability to transform into different cell types can be utilized for regenerating damaged tissues and organs. Their flexibility in differentiation is what sets them apart from more specialized cells that have already committed to a specific function.