What is a stem cell?

A stem cell is characterized as an undifferentiated cell that has the potential to develop into various specialized cell types. This unique property allows stem cells to play a crucial role in growth, development, and tissue repair within organisms. Unlike specialized cells, which have a defined function and structure (like muscle or nerve cells), stem cells can divide and differentiate into multiple cell lineages depending on the needs of the organism and the signals they receive.

This versatility makes stem cells essential in developmental biology as well as in medical research and treatments, such as regenerative medicine. For instance, a stem cell can give rise to blood cells, neurons, or other types of tissues, contributing to the maintenance and regeneration of tissues as needed.

In contrast, specialized cells have specific functions and do not possess the ability to transform into different types of cells. This differentiation process is what distinguishes stem cells from other cell types. Furthermore, while stem cells are found in both plants and animals, the definition is not limited to any particular kingdom; thus, the option implying that stem cells only exist in plants is also inaccurate.