noun
- the ability of a single cell to divide and produce all the differentiated cells in an organism
Usage: biology
Examples
- Embryonic stem cells demonstrate totipotency in early development.
- The totipotency of fertilized eggs allows them to develop into complete organisms.
- Scientists study totipotency to understand how cells become specialized.
- Plant cells often retain totipotency throughout the organism’s life.
- The loss of totipotency occurs as cells differentiate into specific tissue types.
- Researchers are investigating ways to restore totipotency in adult cells.