Britannica Sources used in this answer

How do stem cells and progenitor cells contribute to cell differentiation?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Fetal growth — human development Growth of the human fetus from the fourth month to the ninth month of pregnancy.

Stem cells and progenitor cells are essential components of cell differentiation, the process by which undifferentiated cells develop into specialized types with distinct structures and functions.1

Stem Cells: These are undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation. Through asymmetric cell division, a stem cell typically produces one daughter cell that remains a stem cell and another that is targeted for differentiation. This process ensures a continuous supply of cells for growth, repair, and tissue renewal.231
Progenitor Cells: Often called transit-amplifying cells, these are the intermediate stage between stem cells and fully specialized cells. Progenitor cells undergo a limited number of divisions, becoming increasingly specialized with each round. Unlike stem cells, they are committed to becoming a particular cell type and eventually reach terminal differentiation, where they acquire their final, functional properties and cease dividing.1

This hierarchical progression allows multicellular organisms to form complex tissues and organs and maintain them throughout life. Failures in this differentiation process can lead to various diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders.13