A difference between a stem cell and a progenitor cell is that a. progenitor cells are rare but stem cells are abundant b. a stem cell cannot self-renew and a progenitor cell can c. a progenitor cell cannot self-renew and a stem cell can d. progenitor cells are not present in embryos but stem cells are
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
c. a progenitor cell cannot self-renew and a stem cell can
Explanation:
Stem cells and progenitor cells differ primarily in their capacity for self-renewal and differentiation potential. A stem cell possesses two fundamental properties: the ability to self-renew indefinitely and the capacity to differentiate into various cell types. These cells can be found in both embryonic and adult tissues. In embryonic stages, stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can give rise to almost any cell type in the body. In adult organisms, stem cells typically exhibit multipotency or unipotency, depending on the tissue in which they reside.
In contrast, a progenitor cell is more restricted in its differentiation capacity and lacks the ability to self-renew indefinitely. Progenitor cells arise from stem cells and are considered to be more lineage-committed. They usually divide a limited number of times before differentiating into a specific type of cell. Although both cell types play essential roles in tissue development, repair, and maintenance, their longevity and potential are distinct.
Option a is incorrect because stem cells are generally more rare and specialized in adult tissues compared to progenitor cells, which are produced in larger numbers during differentiation.
Option b is false because the defining characteristic of a stem cell is its ability to self-renew, while progenitor cells cannot sustain long-term self-renewal.
Option d is incorrect because both progenitor cells and stem cells are present during embryonic development. Progenitor cells emerge during embryogenesis as part of the process of cellular differentiation.
In conclusion, the key distinction lies in the ability to self-renew: stem cells maintain this ability, while progenitor cells do not, making option c the accurate statement.
