Final answer:
Stem cells have the two key qualities of self-renewal and potency, allowing them to divide indefinitely and differentiate into specialized cell types. The correct answer is (a) Self-renewal and potency.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stem cells are unspecialized cells with two key qualities: self-renewal and potency. Self-renewal allows stem cells to divide and replicate for prolonged periods, while potency refers to the capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types. The correct answer to the student's question is (a) Self-renewal and potency. Specialization and differentiation are processes that occur once a stem cell has received signals to become a more specific cell type. Mitosis and meiosis are types of cell division, not inherent qualities of stem cells. Apoptosis and necrosis are forms of cell death, which again, do not define the unique attributes of stem cells. Stem cells can be categorized by their differentiation potential, ranging from pluripotent stem cells that can become any cell type within the body to multipotent stem cells that can only differentiate into a limited range of cells.