What is the Difference Between Pluripotent and Totipotent?

The main difference between totipotent and pluripotent stem cells lies in their potential to differentiate into different cell types and their developmental capabilities. Here are the key differences:

• Totipotent stem cells can divide into all cell types in an organism and have the potential to create an entire, complete organism. These cells are formed shortly after fertilization of an egg cell by a sperm cell and are the most versatile stem cell type.
• Pluripotent stem cells can divide into most or all cell types in an organism but cannot develop into an entire organism on their own. These cells are typically found in embryos during early development and are considered an intermediate stage between totipotent and multipotent stem cells.

Both totipotent and pluripotent stem cells are essential components of embryonic development, and in most vertebrates, they are abundant only during early embryonic development, hence the term "embryonic stem cells". These cells are critical for healing processes and the formation of various cell types in an organism.

Comparative Table: Pluripotent vs Totipotent

The main differences between totipotent and pluripotent stem cells are their potency and the cell types they can differentiate into. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

Totipotent stem cells are the most versatile and are formed shortly after fertilization of an egg cell by a sperm cell. They can become all of the cells of the human body, as well as the cells of the embryo and developing fetus. At about four days into development, these totipotent cells specialize slightly, becoming pluripotent stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells, on the other hand, can give rise to all cell types of the body but not the placenta.