What does the term "pluripotent" refer to in stem cells?

The term "pluripotent" specifically refers to the capability of stem cells to differentiate into nearly all cell types of the body, excluding those necessary for the development of an entire organism. This ability is significant because pluripotent stem cells can give rise to various tissues and organs, which is crucial for studying development, disease modeling, and potential regenerative therapies.

This characteristic distinguishes pluripotent stem cells from other types, such as multipotent stem cells, which can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types. The expansive potential of pluripotent stem cells makes them a pivotal resource in biomedical research and therapeutic applications. Understanding this concept is fundamental to grasping the unique roles that different types of stem cells play in biology and medicine.