Definition

Able to develop into any type of cell or tissue in an organism, including forming a complete organism.

Example

The fertilized egg is totipotent, meaning it can develop into any type of cell in the body.

Conversation

Did you know that some cells are totipotent?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they can develop into any type of cell or even a whole organism.

That's fascinating! Biology is so interesting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Totipotent → It is formed from "toti-" (from Latin "totus", meaning whole or entire) and "potent" (from Latin "potens", meaning powerful or able). The word "totipotent" refers to the ability of a cell to develop into a complete organism, thus being entirely powerful in its potential.

Memory Tip

Think of 'whole' ('toti-') and 'powerful' ('potent') to remember that 'totipotent' means having the complete power to develop into a full organism.

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