Oligopotent

Definition

Oligopotent cells are capable of differentiating into a few types of cells within a particular lineage or family. These cells play a critical role in the body's development and tissue specialization, particularly at the cellular level of organization.

Related terms

Stem Cells:

Undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into specialized cells and can divide to produce more stem cells.

Differentiation:

The process by which unspecialized cells become specialized into one of the many cell types that make up the body.

Pluripotent: Pluripotent stem cells are capable of giving rise to nearly all cell types in the body, except for placental structures