Assertion: Stem cells are undifferentiated and found in multicellular organisms, and undergo numerous mitotic cycles. Reason: Stem cells have 'self-renewal' feature and do not exhibit 'cellular potency'.
Explanation
The assertion is true as the context states that stem cells are 'non-specialised cells' (undifferentiated), 'present in most of the multi-cellular organisms', and have 'potential for self-renewal via mitotic cell division'. However, the reason is false because the context explicitly states that stem cells have 'an inherent property of self-renewal and potency'. The context further clarifies that 'On the basis of the potency, the stem cells can be classified into totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent or unipotent cells'. Therefore, stem cells DO exhibit cellular potency, making the reason incorrect.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Verify assertion - Context confirms stem cells are 'non-specialised/unspecialised', 'present in most multi-cellular organisms', and undergo 'mitotic cell division' for self-renewal. Assertion is TRUE.
Step 2: Verify reason - Context states stem cells have 'inherent property of self-renewal and potency'. The reason claims stem cells 'do not exhibit cellular potency' which contradicts the text. Reason is FALSE.
Step 3: Select option (C) since assertion is true but reason is false.