Which type of cells are known as pluripotent?

Pluripotent cells are characterized by their ability to develop into almost any cell type in the body, with the exception of extra-embryonic tissues. Embryonic stem cells fall into this category because they are derived from the early stages of development, specifically from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, and can differentiate into nearly any cell type, including cells of the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. This potential makes them extremely valuable for research and regenerative medicine.

In contrast, totipotent cells, such as the fertilized egg and the first few divisions of its cells, have the unique ability to differentiate into all cell types of the organism, including extra-embryonic tissues like the placenta. Adult stem cells are typically multipotent, meaning they are restricted to differentiating into a limited range of cell types related to the tissue or organ they reside in. Specialized cells are fully differentiated and perform specific functions, hence they do not have the capacity to become other cell types. Thus, embryonic stem cells are rightly identified as pluripotent due to their broad differentiation potential.