What is unique about stem cells?

Answer 1

Stem cells are unique due to their remarkable potential to develop into different cell types in the body during early life and growth. They serve as a repair system for the body, replenishing damaged or dying cells. The uniqueness of stem cells lies in their ability to self-renew, dividing and producing more identical stem cells, as well as differentiate into specialized cell types with specific functions such as muscle cells, nerve cells, blood cells, and more. This capacity for self-renewal and differentiation makes stem cells powerful tools for medical research and regenerative therapies. Additionally, some stem cells have the ability to be extracted from various sources, including embryos, adult tissue, and induced pluripotent stem cells (which are reprogrammed adult cells), further expanding their accessibility and potential applications.