The defining characteristic of a stem cell is
A) self-repair.
B) self-renewal.
C) the ability to turn into a cancer cell.
D) origin from a progenitor cell.
E) ability to be part of an embryo.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The defining characteristic of a stem cell is self-renewal, meaning it can divide and produce more identical stem cells indefinitely while maintaining its capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types. Self-repair, ability to turn into a cancer cell, origin from a progenitor cell or ability to be part of an embryo are not definitive characteristics of a stem cell.

The Defining Characteristic of a Stem Cell Is