Definitions
- Describing a cell that has the ability to differentiate into any type of cell in the body, including embryonic and extra-embryonic cells. - Referring to the earliest stage of embryonic development when cells are still undifferentiated and have the potential to form a complete organism. - Talking about the ability of a cell to divide and produce all the cells necessary for the development of an organism.
- Describing a cell that has the ability to differentiate into any type of cell in the body, except for extra-embryonic cells. - Referring to stem cells that can differentiate into cells from all three germ layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. - Talking about the ability of a cell to self-renew and differentiate into various types of cells.
List of Similarities
- 1Both terms describe the ability of a cell to differentiate into various types of cells.
- 2Both terms are used in the context of stem cells and embryonic development.
- 3Both terms involve the potential for self-renewal and differentiation.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Totipotent cells have the ability to differentiate into all cell types, including extra-embryonic cells, while pluripotent cells can differentiate into all cell types except for extra-embryonic cells.
- 2Developmental stage: Totipotent cells are found only in the early stages of embryonic development, while pluripotent cells are present throughout embryonic development and in some adult tissues.
- 3Sources: Totipotent cells are typically found only in the zygote and early embryos, while pluripotent cells can be derived from various sources, including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells.
- 4Applications: Totipotent cells have the potential to develop into a complete organism, while pluripotent cells have applications in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug discovery.
- 5Regulation: Totipotent cells are subject to more stringent ethical and legal regulations due to their potential to develop into a complete organism, while pluripotent cells are subject to less strict regulations.
Remember this!
Totipotent and pluripotent are both terms used to describe the ability of a cell to differentiate into various types of cells. However, the main difference between the two is the scope of differentiation. Totipotent cells can differentiate into all cell types, including extra-embryonic cells, and are found only in the early stages of embryonic development. On the other hand, pluripotent cells can differentiate into all cell types except for extra-embryonic cells and are present throughout embryonic development and in some adult tissues.
