Final answer:
The topic involves totipotent stem cells, capable of differentiating into any cell type for organism development. These cells then become pluripotent, able to differentiate into many cell types, and eventually, multipotent, with the ability to become cells within a specific tissue or lineage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question pertains to totipotent stem cells, which are the very first embryonic cells derived from the division of the zygote. These cells are unique in that they hold the extraordinary potential to differentiate into any cell type necessary for the development of an organism. Totipotency characterizes the cells' versatile potential during the early stages of embryonic development. As development progresses, these cells further differentiate to become pluripotent stem cells. Pluripotent cells can evolve into many different cell types but are not able to form an entire organism. Eventually, these give way to multipotent stem cells, which can specialize into cells of a particular lineage or tissue type.
Additionally, continuous cell lines can be created from transformed cells or tumors, and in the cases of immortal cell lines, these can be grown indefinitely. These continuous cell lines are valuable for scientific research but are distinct from the natural developmental process of stem cells in an organism.