Which stem cells can differentiate into almost all cell types except for specific placental cells?

Pluripotent stem cells are capable of differentiating into nearly all cell types in the body, which includes cells from the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. However, they do not have the ability to develop into extra-embryonic tissues, such as the specific cells that form the placenta. This characteristic distinguishes them from totipotent stem cells, which can give rise to all cell types, including those needed for both the embryo and the placenta.

In contrast, adult stem cells are typically multipotent, meaning they can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types specific to the tissue or organ they reside in. Totipotent stem cells, found in the earliest stages of development (specifically, the zygote and the first few divisions of the embryo), have the potential to develop into any cell in the body as well as placental cells.

Understanding the unique capabilities of pluripotent stem cells is essential in fields such as regenerative medicine and developmental biology, where their potential applications include tissue repair and the treatment of various diseases.