This ability to become any type of cell in the body is called pluripotent. The difference between totipotent and pluripotent cells is only that totipotent cells can give rise to both the placenta and the embryo. 4. As the embryo grows these pluripotent cells develop into specialized, multipotent stem cells.
Subsequently, one may also ask, what is the difference between stem cells and specialized cells?
Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body. All stem cells—regardless of their source—have three general properties: they are capable of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods; they are unspecialized; and they can give rise to specialized cell types.
What is specialization of cells?
Cell specialization, also known as cell differentiation, is the process by which generic cells change into specific cells meant to do certain tasks within the body. In adults, stem cells are specialized to replace cells that are worn out in the bone marrow, brain, heart and blood.