Precursor cells refer to a type of cell that is in an early stage of development and has not yet fully differentiated into its specialized form. These cells are often found in tissues or organs, where they have the potential to develop into various types of mature cells depending on their specific function within the body. Precursor cells play a crucial role in growth, repair, and regeneration processes, as they can divide and differentiate into specialized cell types that are needed for these functions. In some cases, precursor cells may also give rise to cancerous cells if there is a mutation or disruption in the normal developmental process.