Stem cells

A stem cell is an unspecialised cell that can divide and produce cells that become specialised for particular functions. Specialisation gives a cell the structures and characteristics it needs for its role.

Stem cells divide by mitosis. Before division, the cell copies its genetic information. Mitosis then produces two daughter cells with the same genetic information as the original cell.

A daughter cell can become specialised through differentiation. During this process, different genes become active, causing the cell to develop the structures needed for a particular function. Cells can therefore have the same genetic information but develop different specialised roles.