Summary
The ability of a cell to give rise to all cell types, including embryonic and extraembryonic tissue.
In depth
Totipotent cells can generate all embryonic and extraembryonic tissues (zygote and early blastomeres). Totipotency is lost as cells specialise. Plant cells often retain it, so a carrot cell can grow into a whole plant.
Totipotent cells arise only in the earliest embryo in mammals (up to the 8-cell stage). Then cells restrict potential as the inner cell mass and trophoblast diverge.
Remember: totipotent cells can form placenta; pluripotent ones cannot.
Frequently asked questions
What is Totipotency?
The ability of a cell to give rise to all cell types, including embryonic and extraembryonic tissue.
Which area of biology covers Totipotency, and how advanced is it?
Totipotency is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Blastula, Pluripotency, Twins.
Can you give an example of Totipotency?
If early human embryo cells separate, identical twins form.
What should I learn before Totipotency?
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Totipotency. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Totipotency?
The closest topics to Totipotency are Blastula, Pluripotency, Twins, Embryonic Stem Cells. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Totipotency?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Totipotency. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Totipotency different from Blastula?
Totipotency: The ability of a cell to give rise to all cell types, including embryonic and extraembryonic tissue. Blastula: A hollow ball of cells formed by cleavage, containing a fluid-filled cavity. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Totipotency step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Blastula and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.