to·tip·o·ten·cy (t -t p  -tn-s , t t-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. [Latin t tus, whole; see total + potency.]to·tip o·tent adj. |
totipotent [təʊˈtɪpətənt]
adj
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) (of an animal cell) capable of differentiation and so forming a new individual, tissue, organ, etc.
[from Latin tōtus entire + potent1]
totipotency n
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Adj. | 1. | totipotent - having the ability to give rise to unlike cells; "embryonic stem cells are totipotent" cell - (biology) the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; they may exist as independent units of life (as in monads) or may form colonies or tissues as in higher plants and animals |
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