A pluripotent stem cell is one that has the potential to differentiate into any type of human tissue but cannot support the full development of an organism.

The embryonic cells that develop from totipotent stem cells and are precursors to the fundamental tissue layers of the embryo are classified as pluripotent. The first embryonic cells that arise from the division of the zygote are the ultimate stem cells these stems cells are described as totipotent because they have the potential to differentiate into any of the cells needed to enable an organism to grow and develop. Stem cells are divided into several categories according to their potential to differentiate. Stem CellsĪ stem cell is an unspecialized cell that can divide without limit as needed and can, under specific conditions, differentiate into specialized cells.

Differentiation is the process by which unspecialized cells become specialized to carry out distinct functions. How does a complex organism such as a human develop from a single cell-a fertilized egg-into the vast array of cell types such as nerve cells, muscle cells, and epithelial cells that characterize the adult? Throughout development and adulthood, the process of cellular differentiation leads cells to assume their final morphology and physiology. Distinguish between the categories of stem cells.Discuss how the generalized cells of a developing embryo or the stem cells of an adult organism become differentiated into specialized cells.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Define stem cell in biology