Dictionary > Multipotent

Multipotent

Definition
adjective
Having the ability to differentiate to a limited number of cell fates or into closely related family of cells.
Supplement
Multipotent progenitor cells can give rise to many but limited types of cell. For example, a hematopoietic cell can give rise to several types of blood cells but not into brain cells or other types of cells.
Word origin: multi– ยป Latin multus much, many + – potent, have power, to be able.

Related forms: multipotency (noun).
Compare: unipotent, pluripotent, totipotent.

See also: potent.
Related terms:

  • multipotent cell


You will also like...

Chemical composition of the body
Chemical Composition of the Body

The body is comprised of different elements with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen as the major four. This tutorial..

Salmon jumping upstream in the river
Lotic Communities & Animals

A running water environment offers numerous microhabitats for many types of animals. Similar to plants, animals in lotic..

Gene Pool and Speciation
The Gene Pool and Population Genetics

According to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, preferable genes are favored by nature in the gene pool, and ..

primitive arthropods
Arthropods

The arthropods were assumed to be the first taxon of species to possess jointed limbs and exoskeleton, exhibit more adva..

Consciousness and behavior
Consciousness and Behavior

Human consciousness and behavior are an interesting topic since they are determined and controlled by the brain. Conscio..

An artist depiction of a Precambrian multicellular life form.
The Evolution of Cell Organelles

The nucleus containing the genetic material, DNA, and the mitochondria, well-identified as the "powerhouse of the cell",..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics