Basis of differentiation

Progenitor cells

Stem cells

Definition

These cells are unipotent or multipotent stem cells which originate from stem cells; they differentiate to form specialized cell types 

Are undifferentiated cells of a multicellular organism which that able to infinitely multiply into more cells of the same type

Cellular potency

Are either unipotent or oligopotent

Can either be multipotent, pluripotent, or totipotent

Degree of differentiation

Are somewhat differentiated

Are completely undifferentiated

Self-renewal

Have a limited self-renewal ability

Are easily able to undergo self-renewal and divide into identical stem cells

Location

Found in specific tissues and organs

Found in many different types of tissues and organs throughout the body

Origin

Are derived from stem cells which then differentiate again to form specialized cell types

Originate from embryos or adult tissues

Function

Their primary function is to replenish dead or damaged cells

Their function is to regenerate damaged tissues and organs