Which term describes stem cells that can differentiate into almost all types of tissues and cells in the body?

Which term describes stem cells that can differentiate into almost all types of tissues and cells in the body?

• A. Totipotent
• B. Pluripotent
• C. Multipotent
• D. Unipotent

Answer: (B)

Potency is about how many different cell types a stem cell can become. Pluripotent cells can differentiate into almost all cell types derived from the three germ layers—ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm—so they can form many tissues such as neurons, muscle, liver, and more. They cannot form extraembryonic tissues like the placenta, which is the key distinction from totipotent cells. That’s why pluripotent is the best term for cells that can become almost all tissues and cells in the body. Totipotent would include extraembryonic tissues and the whole embryo, which goes beyond “almost all”; multipotent and unipotent are more limited and cannot generate such a wide range of tissues.

Potency is about how many different cell types a stem cell can become. Pluripotent cells can differentiate into almost all cell types derived from the three germ layers—ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm—so they can form many tissues such as neurons, muscle, liver, and more. They cannot form extraembryonic tissues like the placenta, which is the key distinction from totipotent cells. That’s why pluripotent is the best term for cells that can become almost all tissues and cells in the body. Totipotent would include extraembryonic tissues and the whole embryo, which goes beyond “almost all”; multipotent and unipotent are more limited and cannot generate such a wide range of tissues.