Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to indefinitely more cells of the same type, and from which certain other kinds of cell arise by differentiation.
Related terms
Differentiation: The process by which unspecialized cells (like stem cells) become specialized into one of the many cell types that make up the body.
Embryonic Stem Cells: These are stem cells derived from human embryos. They can differentiate into almost every type of body cell.
Adult Stem Cells (or Somatic Stem Cells): These exist throughout the body after embryonic development and have been found in tissues such as brain, bone marrow, blood vessels etc. They usually give rise only specific types of similar tissue.