TOTIPOTENTIAL CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A totipotential cell, also known as a totipotent cell, refers to a type of cell that has the remarkable ability to differentiate and give rise to all the different cell types found in an organism. It retains the capability to develop into any specific type of cell in the body, including both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. These cells are characterized by their high plasticity and the potential to generate all the specialized cells necessary for the formation of a complete organism.
Totipotential cells are typically found in the early stages of embryonic development, where they are responsible for initiating and sustaining the growth of the embryo. These cells possess the unique ability to self-renew by dividing and differentiating into various cell types, contributing to the formation of tissues, organs, and complex biological structures. They essentially serve as the building blocks for the development and maintenance of all multicellular organisms.
In addition to their role in embryonic development, totipotential cells also play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration in adults. These cells can be induced to proliferate and differentiate in response to tissue damage or injury, aiding in the healing process. This regenerative potential of totipotential cells has garnered substantial interest within the field of regenerative medicine, as it holds promise for the treatment of various diseases and injuries.
Overall, the ability of a totipotential cell to give rise to all cell types in an organism signifies its immense regenerative potential and its significance in both embryonic development and tissue repair.
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A cell capable of giving origin to other cells of every kind necessary to form the entire individual; such are the impregnated ovum and certain cells in the primitive germinal area or in the germinal blastomere.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TOTIPOTENTIAL CELL
- rotipotential cell
- fotipotential cell
- gotipotential cell
- yotipotential cell
- 6otipotential cell
- 5otipotential cell
- titipotential cell
- tktipotential cell
- tltipotential cell
- tptipotential cell
- t0tipotential cell
- t9tipotential cell
- toripotential cell
- tofipotential cell
- togipotential cell
- toyipotential cell
- to6ipotential cell
- to5ipotential cell
- totupotential cell
- totjpotential cell
Etymology of TOTIPOTENTIAL CELL
The word "totipotential cell" is derived from two main roots: "toti" and "potential".
The prefix "toti" comes from the Latin word "totus" meaning "whole" or "entire". In this context, it refers to the totality of the cell's potential to differentiate into any type of cell.
The word "potential" is derived from the Latin term "potentia", meaning "power" or "ability". When used in relation to cells, it denotes the capacity of a cell to develop into various specialized cell types.
Thus, "totipotential cell" combines "toti" and "potential" to create a term that describes a cell with the capability to differentiate into all types of cell within an organism's body.
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