OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What are stem cells primarily known for?

Being highly specialized but unable to replicate
Being unspecialized and able to differentiate
Having a limited ability to repair tissues
Being non-functional in tissue repair

The correct answer is: Being unspecialized and able to differentiate

Stem cells are primarily known for being unspecialized cells that have the unique ability to differentiate into various specialized cell types. This characteristic is crucial for growth, development, and tissue repair in organisms. As unspecialized cells, stem cells can divide and replicate indefinitely, giving rise to specialized cells when needed, such as muscle cells, nerve cells, and blood cells. This capacity for differentiation allows stem cells to play an essential role in maintaining and repairing tissues throughout an individual's life. For example, in regenerative medicine, stem cells are being studied for their potential to heal damaged tissues or organs. The other options do not accurately reflect the fundamental characteristics of stem cells. They misrepresent the ability of stem cells to replicate and differentiate, which is central to their function in biology.