Totipotent
Having unlimited capability.
A totipotent cell has the capacity to form an entire organism. Human development begins when a sperm fertilizes an egg and creates a single totipotent cell. In the first hours after fertilization, this cell divides into identical totipotent cells. Approximately four days after fertilization and after several cycles of cell division, these totipotent cells begin to specialize.
Totipotent is as opposed to pluripotent and multipotent. Totipotent cells have total potential. They specialize into pluripotent cells that can give rise to most, but not all, of the tissues necessary for fetal development. Pluripotent cells undergo further specialization into multipotent cells that are committed to give rise to cells that have a particular function. For example, multipotent blood stem cells give rise to the red cells, white cells and platelets in the blood.
Read Also:
- Tourette syndrome
Lioresal), yields no significant reduction in the number of tics but patients appear to be less tense and report feeling better. Therapy can help a patient develop social coping strategies and maintain a positive self-image.
- Toxaphene
A chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide banned for all uses in the US due to concerns of toxicity. Breathing, eating, or drinking high levels of toxaphene can damage the lungs, nervous system, and kidneys, and can even cause death. The US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that toxaphene may reasonably be anticipated to […]
- Toxemia
A condition in pregnancy, also known as pre-eclampsia (or preeclampsia) characterized by abrupt hypertension (a sharp rise in blood pressure), albuminuria (leakage of large amounts of the protein albumin into the urine) and edema (swelling) of the hands, feet, and face. Pre-eclampsia is the most common complication of pregnancy. It affects about 5% of pregnancies. […]
- Toxic goiter, diffuse
Hyperthyroidism (the presence of too much thyroid hormone), Ophthalmopathy specifically involving exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyeballs), Dermopathy with skin lesions. The ophthalmopathy can cause sensitivity to light and a feeling of “sand in the eyes.” With further protrusion of the eyes, double vision and vision loss may occur. The ophthalmopathy tends to worsen with smoking. […]
- Toxic hepatitis
Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) caused by an industrial chemical such as carbon tetrachloride or phosphorus.