Stem Cell Potency
Different stem cells have the ability to differentiate into specialised cells. For example, embryonic stem cells must become every cell type in the body making them extremely potent.
However, not all stem cells can do this and therefore they have to be categorized depending upon their ability to differentiate. The full classification is as follows:
- Totipotent - these cells can differentiate into all possible cell types. For example, the zygote formed at egg fertilization and the first few cells that result from the division of the zygote.
- Pluripotent - these cells can differentiate into almost every cell type. For example, embryonic stem cells.
- Multipotent - these cells can differentiate into related groups of cells. For example, hematopoietic (adult) stem cells which can be manipulated to become red and white blood cells or platelets.
- Oligopotent - these cells can differentiate into a few cells. For example, (adult) lymphoid or myeloid stem cells.
- Unipotent - these cells can only produce cells of their own type. However, they also have the self-renewing abilities so are able to be labelled as stem cells. For example, (adult) muscle stem cells.
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