The article reviews the metabolic regulation of stem cell functions, highlighting five key hallmarks: proliferation, quiescence, stress response, identity, and niche requirements. Stem cells perform multiple functions, including self-renewal and differentiation, which require specific metabolic adaptations. Metabolic pathways support proliferation by providing the necessary nutrients and energy for cell division, while quiescent stem cells exhibit lower metabolic activity and increased autophagy to maintain homeostasis. Stem cells must also resist metabolic stress and cell death, with mechanisms such as the integrated stress response (ISR) and antioxidant pathways playing crucial roles. The metabolic signatures of stem cells vary across different states and lineages, reflecting their diverse functions. The article discusses the challenges in studying stem cell metabolism and the importance of integrating metabolic and functional data to understand how metabolism supports stem cell biology.The article reviews the metabolic regulation of stem cell functions, highlighting five key hallmarks: proliferation, quiescence, stress response, identity, and niche requirements. Stem cells perform multiple functions, including self-renewal and differentiation, which require specific metabolic adaptations. Metabolic pathways support proliferation by providing the necessary nutrients and energy for cell division, while quiescent stem cells exhibit lower metabolic activity and increased autophagy to maintain homeostasis. Stem cells must also resist metabolic stress and cell death, with mechanisms such as the integrated stress response (ISR) and antioxidant pathways playing crucial roles. The metabolic signatures of stem cells vary across different states and lineages, reflecting their diverse functions. The article discusses the challenges in studying stem cell metabolism and the importance of integrating metabolic and functional data to understand how metabolism supports stem cell biology.