A totipotent cell
A)is fixed into a single developmental pathway.
B)has homeotic transformation.
C)can differentiate into any adult cell.
D)will become a stem cell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A totipotent cell has the ability to differentiate into any type of adult cell, making it the most versatile type of precursor cell. It can give rise to all embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues in the developing embryo, including the placenta. This is because it has the capacity to express all the genes required for embryonic development. Totipotency is typically found in the early embryo or in some types of stem cells. Choice A is incorrect because a totipotent cell is not fixed into a single developmental pathway, but can develop into any type of cell. Choice B is incorrect because homeotic transformation involves the misregulation of genes responsible for forming body segments in a developing embryo, which is not related to totipotency. Choice D is incorrect because a totipotent cell is already a type of stem cell.

A Totipotent Cell