Which type of stem cell is able to differentiate into any cell type, including extraembryonic placental cells??
pluripotent cells
totipotent cells
embryonic cells
multipotent cells
The correct answer is totipotent cells.
The type of stem cell that is able to differentiate into any cell type, including extraembryonic placental cells, is called totipotent cells.
The type of stem cell that is able to differentiate into any cell type, including extraembryonic placental cells, is known as totipotent cells.
To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the characteristics of each type of stem cell mentioned.
1. Pluripotent cells: These stem cells have the ability to differentiate into all cell types of the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. However, they are not capable of forming extraembryonic tissues like the placenta.
2. Totipotent cells: These are the earliest stem cells in the development of an organism. They have the greatest potential and can differentiate into any cell type, including both embryonic and extraembryonic cells, such as placental cells. Totipotent cells are present for only a few days after fertilization.
3. Embryonic cells: These cells are derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst and are considered pluripotent. They have the capacity to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers but are not capable of forming extraembryonic placental cells.
4. Multipotent cells: These stem cells have the ability to differentiate into multiple cell types within a specific tissue or organ. They are more limited in their differentiation potential compared to pluripotent or totipotent cells.
Based on this information, we can conclude that totipotent cells have the ability to differentiate into any cell type, including extraembryonic placental cells.