Cells that can proliferate indefinitely and differentiate into many different cell types, ranging from muscle cells to neurons. Stem cells can be categorised as totipotent, pluripotent or multipotent depending on how many cell types they can give rise to and the maturity of the differentiated cell. Totipotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type in the embryo and adult body, including placental cells. Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type found in the adult body (excluding placental cells). Multipotent stem cells can give rise to multiple cell types but are more limited that pluripotent cells. Stem cells are used in regenerative medicineThis branch of medicine develops methods to repair or replace damaged cells, tissues, or organs. Thi and in research to investigate effects of disease.
