Totipotent

Definition

Totipotent cells have the capacity to develop into any cell type in an organism, including the extraembryonic tissues such as the placenta. These are the most versatile cells in the early stages of embryonic development.

Related terms

Differentiation:

The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type.

Stem Cells:

Cells with the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth.

Pluripotent: Cells that can develop into almost any cell type but cannot form an entire organism, unlike totipotent cells