Which type of stem cells can develop into any type of body cell?

Embryonic stem cells are unique in that they possess the ability to differentiate into virtually any cell type within the body. This pluripotency allows them to give rise to all three primary germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. As a result, they can develop into various specialized cells, such as neurons, muscle cells, and blood cells, making them particularly valuable for research and potential therapeutic applications.

In contrast, adult stem cells are typically multipotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited range of cell types relevant to the tissues in which they are found. Somatic cells refer to any non-reproductive cells in the body and do not have stem cell properties. Lastly, multipotent stem cells are limited to developing into a narrower range of cell types, usually related to their tissue of origin, which further distinguishes them from the broader capability of embryonic stem cells.