Cell Differentiation

Cell differentiation

When cells move down a developmental pathway towards specialisation (becoming cells with more specialised functions).

• However, as cells move further down this developmental pathway, they lose more and more of their ability to proliferate (divide and grow).

Stem cells

Cells which have halted their progression down the developmental pathway early on. Thus, they have a greater ability to proliferate.

Types of stem cells

1. Totipotent stem cell

2. Pluripotent stem cell

3. Multipotent stem cell

Totipotent stem cell

Youngest stem cell, can proliferate to any other cell.

Pluripotent stem cell

Embryonic stem cell, some differentiation possible

Multipotent stem cell

Adult stem cells. Only limited differentiation possible.