What is unique about stem cells?(1 point)

Question

Responses
which answer is correct and why
They are unspecialized.
They are unspecialized.

They are differentiated.
They are differentiated.

They are only found in embryos.
They are only found in embryos.

They are only found in plants.

Answer 1

The correct answer is: They are unspecialized.

Why this answer is correct: Stem cells are unique because they have the ability to divide and differentiate into various types of specialized cells. Being unspecialized means that they do not have a specific function until they become differentiated into a specific cell type, which is one of their key characteristics. The other options are incorrect because:

• They are differentiated: This is not true; differentiated cells have specific functions and are no longer stem cells.
• They are only found in embryos: While embryonic stem cells are a type of stem cell, adult stem cells are also present in various tissues throughout the body.
• They are only found in plants: Stem cells are found in both animals and plants; in plants, they are present in meristematic tissues.

Thus, the essential feature of stem cells is their unspecialized nature and potential to become various cell types.