Which of the following is the correct ranking of stem cells with respect to the number of cell types into which they can differentiate (from greatest to least)?
A) Multipotent pluripotent totipotent
B) Pluripotent totipotent multipotent
C) Pluripotent multipotent totipotent
D) Totipotent pluripotent multipotent
E) Totipotent multipotent pluripotent

Question

Which of the following is the correct ranking of stem cells with respect to the number of cell types into which they can differentiate (from greatest to least)?
A) Multipotent > pluripotent > totipotent
B) Pluripotent > totipotent > multipotent
C) Pluripotent > multipotent > totipotent
D) Totipotent > pluripotent > multipotent
E) Totipotent > multipotent > pluripotent

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Totipotent stem cells have the potential to differentiate into any cell type, including both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into any cell type, but not extra-embryonic tissues. Multipotent stem cells can differentiate into a limited number of cell types within a particular lineage or tissue type. Therefore, the correct ranking from greatest to least in terms of the number of cell types they can differentiate into is totipotent > pluripotent > multipotent.

Which of the Following Is the Correct Ranking of Stem