Which term describes stem cells with the potential to differentiate into any type of cell?

The term that describes stem cells with the potential to differentiate into any type of cell is totipotent. Totipotent stem cells are unique because they can develop into a full organism, including all types of body cells and the extraembryonic tissues, like the placenta. This capability makes them the most versatile type of stem cell.

In contrast, pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into almost any cell type, but they cannot develop into a complete organism since they cannot form extraembryonic tissues. Multipotent stem cells have a more limited differentiation potential, as they can only become a limited range of related cell types. Unipotent stem cells have the narrowest capacity, being capable of differentiating into only one cell type.

Totipotency represents the highest level of differentiation potential in the hierarchy of stem cells, which is why it correctly refers to stem cells capable of giving rise to any cell type in the organism.