Which characteristic is unique to pluripotent cells compared to multipotent cells?

Pluripotent cells are unique in their ability to differentiate into nearly all cell types in the body, including cells from the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. This extensive potential for differentiation distinguishes them from multipotent cells, which can only give rise to a limited range of cell types related to a specific tissue or organ.

In contrast, multipotent cells are more specialized and typically can only differentiate into a few closely related cell types. For example, hematopoietic stem cells are multipotent cells that can develop into various types of blood cells (like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) but not into cells from other tissue types, like neurons or muscle cells.

The other answer options do not accurately reflect the distinctions between pluripotent and multipotent cells. The ability to replicate themselves is not unique to either type, as both can self-replicate. The ability to form barriers between cells and connect to other tissues is more related to the functions of differentiated cells rather than the inherent capabilities of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells. Therefore, the defining characteristic of pluripotent cells is indeed their broad potential to differentiate into many cell types.