GCSE Biology - AQA
4.1.4 - Plant Stem Cells
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Plant stem cells are quite different to animal stem cells, in terms of both where they are located and what types of cells they can differentiate into.
The stem cells in plants are located in regions called meristems. The meristems are usually found at the tips of roots and shoots (although there can also be meristems in other locations).
Meristems are found at the tips of shoots and roots. They contain stem cells.
A plant stem cell can differentiate into any cell type that is found in that plant (for example, a root hair cell, a xylem cell, a phloem cell, etc.).
This is a major difference between plant stem cells and animal stem cells. In animals, only embryonic stem cells have the ability to differentiate into any cell type. Once the animal is an adult, it does not have any stem cells that can do this. Whereas in plants, all stem cells have the ability to differentiate into any cell type, regardless of whether they are in a plant embryo or an adult plant.
A plant stem cell can differentiate into any cell type found in that plant.
Flashcards help you memorise information quickly. Copy each question onto its own flashcard and then write the answer on the other side. Testing yourself on these regularly will enable you to learn much more quickly than just reading and making notes.
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Where are plant stem cells found?
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What cell types can a plant stem cell differentiate into?
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4.1.5 - Medical Uses of Human Stem Cells
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4.1.3 - Animal Stem Cells
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