Question

What are the two criteria that must be fulfilled in order to identify a cell as a "stem cell'?

Short answer

Answer: The two criteria that must be fulfilled for a cell to be classified as a stem cell are: 1) self-renewal, which refers to the cell's ability to divide and create more cells of the same type while maintaining their undifferentiated state, and 2) differentiation potential, which means that the stem cell must have the capability to give rise to specialized cells with specific functions in the body.

Step-by-step solution

Criterion 1: Self-Renewal

The first criterion that must be fulfilled is the cell's ability to self-renew. This means that stem cells must be able to divide and create more cells of the same type while maintaining their undifferentiated state. This self-renewal characteristic allows stem cells to continually replenish themselves and maintain a stable population within their niche.

Criterion 2: Differentiation Potential

The second criterion is the ability of a stem cell to differentiate into specialized cell types. Differentiation potential means that stem cells must have the capability to give rise to specialized cells that have specific functions in the body, such as nerve cells, muscle cells, or blood cells. There are different types of stem cells with varying degrees of differentiation potential - some can give rise to all cell types, while others are limited to specific lineages or tissues.