totipotency

to·tip·o·ten·cy  (t-tp-tn-s, tt-ptn-s) also to·tip·o·tence (t-tp-tns, tt-ptns)

n. pl. to·tip·o·ten·cies also to·tip·o·ten·ces

The ability of a cell, such as an egg, to give rise to unlike cells and thus to develop into or generate a new organism or part.

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[Latin ttus, whole; see total + potency.]

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to·tipo·tent adj.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

totipotency - the ability of a cell to give rise to unlike cells and so to develop a new organism or part; "animal cells lose their totipotency at an early stage in embryonic development" totipotence ability - the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment