What type of stem cells can differentiate into only a few specialized cell types?

Oligopotent stem cells are characterized by their ability to differentiate into a limited number of specialized cell types. This type of stem cell typically gives rise to a specific lineage, meaning they can produce a select group of cells related to a particular tissue or organ system. For instance, oligopotent stem cells can differentiate into various types of blood cells but do not possess the capability to form every cell type in the body, which distinguishes them from pluripotent and totipotent stem cells.

In contrast, pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into almost all cell types of the embryo, while totipotent stem cells have the capacity to develop into any cell type, including those required to form an entire organism. Multipotent stem cells also have the ability to differentiate into multiple cell types but are more restricted than pluripotent stem cells. Thus, the nature of oligopotent stem cells specifies their role in development and tissue maintenance, leading to their classification as cells that can differentiate into only a few specialized cell types.