Stem Cell Technology

Pluripotent Cells: Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from the blastocyst stage of the embryo are considered pluripotent. Pluripotent stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into almost any cell type of the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm), but cannot form a whole organism, which is a capability that is specific to totipotent cells. Totipotent Cells: Totipotent cells, such as the zygote, have the ability to develop into any cell type or even a complete organism. Multipotent Cells: Multipotent stem cells are more specialized than pluripotent cells and can develop into a limited number of cell types within a lineage or tissue. Bipotent Cells: Bipotent cells can develop into two specific cell types, making them even more limited in their differentiation potential.