Is the statement true or false: A stem cell can only produce a single type of differentiated cell?

A stem cell is a unique type of cell that possesses the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various types of specialized cells. This characteristic is fundamental to the definition of stem cells. They can be broadly categorized into two main types: embryonic stem cells and adult (somatic) stem cells.

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they have the potential to differentiate into any cell type in the body, giving rise to various tissues such as muscle, nerve, and blood cells. In contrast, adult stem cells, also known as somatic stem cells, are typically multipotent. This means they can differentiate into several types of cells, but are usually restricted to the cell types of their tissue of origin. For example, hematopoietic stem cells can differentiate into various types of blood cells but cannot form nerve or muscle cells.

Thus, the statement that a stem cell can only produce a single type of differentiated cell is false. Instead, stem cells have a broader potential to differentiate into multiple related cell types depending on their classification as pluripotent or multipotent. This potential for differentiation is critical in developmental biology and regenerative medicine, where understanding stem cells can lead to advancements in treatments for various diseases and injuries.