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

What is a key characteristic of animal stem cells?

1. They can grow indefinitely

2. They stop growing after maturity

3. They form all types of cells

4. They primarily exist in embryos

The correct answer is: They stop growing after maturity

A key characteristic of animal stem cells is their ability to form all types of cells in the body. This property, known as pluripotency, allows stem cells to differentiate into various specialized cell types, such as muscle, nerve, or blood cells. This characteristic is crucial for development, growth, and healing processes in multicellular organisms. While stem cells are found in embryos, adult stem cells also exist in various tissues throughout the organism and can serve regenerative functions. However, adult stem cells are typically multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited range of cell types rather than all types. Thus, the statement about their ability to form all types of cells is a distinctive aspect of what makes stem cells so valuable in biological applications and medical research.