What type of stem cell can differentiate into any cell type in the body?

The type of stem cell that can differentiate into any cell type in the body is a totipotent stem cell. Totipotent stem cells have the unique capability of forming all types of cells, including both the embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. This means they can develop into a complete organism because they possess the genetic potential to give rise to all the different types of cells required for forming an entire organism, including those that make up the placenta.

In contrast, pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into nearly all cell types, but not extra-embryonic tissues, which disqualifies them from being able to develop into a complete organism. Multipotent stem cells are more limited, as they can differentiate into a restricted range of cell types within a specific lineage or tissue type. Unipotent stem cells are the most limited, as they can only differentiate into one specific cell type.