Final answer:
Stem cells differentiate into specialized cells and are essential for therapeutic applications. They come in various forms, such as pluripotent embryonic stem cells and the more restricted multipotent adult stem cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stem cells are related to differentiated cells as they are the source from which all specialized cells are derived. Initially, stem cells are unspecialized and possess the ability to divide indeterminately. Under certain conditions, they can differentiate into various types of specialized cells that make up the tissues and organs of a body. This process is known as cellular differentiation. Stem cells are categorized by their potential to differentiate: embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can give rise to all cell types; adult stem cells are multipotent and are more limited, typically only differentiating into the types of cells found within the organ or tissue they reside in.
Stem cells are critically important because of their potential in therapeutic applications, such as regenerating damaged tissues and treating diseases like diabetes or neurodegenerative disorders. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a groundbreaking development in this field, as they are adult cells genetically reprogrammed to behave like pluripotent embryonic stem cells, further expanding the possibilities for medical treatments.