Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

What term describes cells that have the potential to develop into more than one cell type?

1. Totipotent

2. Pluripotent

3. Multipotent

4. Monopotent

The correct answer is: Pluripotent

The term that describes cells with the potential to develop into more than one cell type is pluripotent. Pluripotent stem cells are capable of giving rise to nearly all cell types of the body, meaning they can differentiate into cells derived from all three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. This broad differentiation potential differentiates them notably from other stem cell types. Totipotent cells, while they also can develop into multiple cell types, possess the ability to form an entire organism, including all the extra-embryonic tissues (like the placenta). This capability is limited to the very earliest stages of embryonic development. Multipotent cells are more restricted than pluripotent cells and can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types, usually related by function or lineage. For instance, hematopoietic stem cells are multipotent and can become various types of blood cells but cannot develop into neurons or other cell types. Monopotent cells have the most restricted potential and can develop into only one specific cell type. This term is utilized to describe certain precursor cells that are already committed to a specific lineage. Overall, understanding pluripotent cells as those that can differentiate into multiple, but not