Final answer:
Embryonic stem cells undergo cell differentiation to transform into various specialized cell types in the human body. This process involves the totipotent embryonic stem cells and can be influenced by specific conditions and transcription factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Embryonic stem cells have the remarkable ability to transform into different types of cells in a process known as cell differentiation. This process enables a single fertilized egg to develop into a complex organism with a myriad of specialized cell types, such as nerve, muscle, and epithelial cells. Totipotent embryonic stem cells give rise to all cell types necessary for an organism's growth and development.
In the initial stages, each cell within the inner mass of embryonic cells possesses totipotency, allowing them to differentiate into any human body cell type. However, cell differentiation is confined to particular lineages as development progresses. Stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) which are pluripotent, and adult stem cells that are multipotent, can divide indefinitely and differentiate into specialized cells under specific conditions.
Through the influence of various transcription factors that regulate gene expression, cell differentiation allows cells to acquire unique morphological and physiological characteristics. Moreover, stem cells like iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells) can mimic embryonic stem cells' properties, capable of differentiating into cell types from all three germ layers.