Dictionary > Multipotent cell

Multipotent cell

Definition
noun
A cell that possesses the ability to differentiate into various but limited number of cell types, especially into cells of a 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 (i.e. red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, etc.) but not into brain cells or other types of cells.
Compare: unipotent cell, pluripotent cell, totipotent cell.

See also: potency.

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