Defining properties
The rigorous definition of a stem cell requires that it possesses two properties:
Self-renewal - the ability to go through numerous cycles of cell division while maintaining the undifferentiated state.
Unlimited potency - the capacity to differentiate into any mature cell type. In a strict sense, this requires stem cells to be either totipotent or pluripotent, although some multipotent and/or unipotent progenitor cells are sometimes referred to as stem cells.
These properties can be illustrated in vitro, using methods such as clonogenic assays, where the progeny of single cell is characterized. However, in vitro culture conditions can alter the behavior of cells, making it unclear whether the cells will behave in a similar manner in vio. Considerable debate exists whether some proposed adult cell populations are truly stem cells.
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