What characteristic defines multipotent stem cells?

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Multipotent stem cells are defined by their ability to differentiate into specific cell types, which distinguishes them from other types of stem cells. Unlike pluripotent stem cells, which can develop into any type of body cell, or totipotent stem cells, which have the potential to develop into all cell types including embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues, multipotent stem cells have a more limited range of differentiation. They are typically associated with a specific tissue or organ and can give rise to a limited number of cell types related to that specific lineage.

For example, hematopoietic stem cells found in the bone marrow are multipotent because they can differentiate into various types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, but not into cells outside of the blood. This crucial characteristic of lineage restriction allows multipotent stem cells to play vital roles in tissue maintenance and repair while still having the versatility to adapt to different functional needs within their specialized environment.

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