Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
totipotent
Adjective
/ˌtoʊ.tɪˈpoʊ.tənt/
Definition
Capable of giving rise to any cell type in an organism, including embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues.
Examples
- In the early stages of embryonic development, cells are totipotent and can form any type of tissue.
- Totipotent stem cells have the unique ability to develop into any cell type, unlike pluripotent stem cells.
- The zygote is the first totipotent cell that gives rise to all other cells in the body.
Meaning
A term used in biology to describe a cell that can develop into a complete organism.
Synonyms
- Undifferentiated
- Pluripotent (context-dependent)
- Embryonic
