MULTIPOTENT Meaning and
Definition
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Multipotent is an adjective that describes the ability of a cell, tissue, or organism to differentiate into multiple, but limited, types of specialized cells. It refers to the capacity of certain stem cells or precursor cells to develop into a variety of cell lineages within a specific tissue or organ.
Specifically, within the field of stem cell biology, multipotent cells exhibit the potential to differentiate into a range of cell types within a particular lineage or germ layer, such as the ectoderm, endoderm, or mesoderm. Unlike pluripotent stem cells, which can differentiate into any cell type of the body, multipotent cells possess a more restricted developmental capacity. For instance, multipotent hematopoietic stem cells have the ability to produce different types of blood cells like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, but cannot differentiate into non-blood cell lineages.
The multipotency of these cells is essential for maintaining and repairing tissues throughout an organism's lifetime. By replenishing the pool of specialized cells in a specific tissue, multipotent cells contribute to the continuous turnover and repair processes in our bodies. The ability of multipotent cells to undergo limited differentiation is a crucial aspect of their therapeutic potential, as it allows for more precise and targeted tissue regeneration. Therefore, understanding the biological properties of multipotent cells is fundamental to various fields, including regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and developmental biology.
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Having manifold powers; having power to do many different things.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MULTIPOTENT
- nultipotent
- kultipotent
- jultipotent
- myltipotent
- mhltipotent
- mjltipotent
- miltipotent
- m8ltipotent
- m7ltipotent
- muktipotent
- muptipotent
- muotipotent
- mulripotent
- mulfipotent
- mulgipotent
- mulyipotent
- mul6ipotent
- mul5ipotent
- multupotent
Etymology of MULTIPOTENT
The word "multipotent" is derived from the Latin word "multipotens", which is a combination of two Latin words: "multi", meaning "many", and "potens", meaning "powerful" or "capable". The "-t" at the end signifies that it is an adjective. Therefore, "multipotent" literally translates to "capable of many things" or "having many powers". In the context of biology and stem cells, it refers to cells that have the potential to differentiate into multiple types of cells.
Similar spelling words for MULTIPOTENT
- multiplex,
- multiple star,
- multiply,
- multipurpose,
- multivalent,
- multivalency,
- multivitamin,
- multipartite,
- multiplexer,
- multivalence,
- multiple,
- multiphase,
- multiplicity.
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