A term used to describe cells or tissues that do not have specialized ("mature") structures or functions. Undifferentiated cancer cells often grow and spread quickly.

Which cells are undifferentiated?

Stem cell, an undifferentiated cell that can divide to produce some offspring cells that continue as stem cells and some cells that are destined to differentiate (become specialized). Stem cells are an ongoing source of the differentiated cells that make up the tissues and organs of animals and plants.

What are undifferentiated and differentiated cells?

Well-differentiated cancer cells look and behave more like the normal cells in the tissue they started to grow in. ... Well-differentiated cancers are low grade. Undifferentiated or poorly differentiated cancer cells look and behave very differently from normal cells in the tissue they started to grow in.