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.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The defining characteristic of a stem cell is self-renewal, meaning they have the ability to divide and produce identical copies of themselves, while maintaining their undifferentiated state. This is what makes them unique and able to differentiate into various cell types. Self-repair and origin from a progenitor cell may be features of stem cells, but they are not the defining characteristic. The ability to turn into a cancer cell is not a feature of normal stem cells.

The Defining Characteristic of a Stem Cell Is