Cell Differentiation and Specialization — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptThe cells derived from root apical and shoot apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions. This act leading to maturation is termed as differentiation. During differentiation, cells undergo few to major structural changes both in their cell walls and protoplasm. For example, to form a tracheary element, the cells would lose their protoplasm. They also develop a very strong, elastic, lignocellulosic secondary cell walls, to carry water transport over long distances even under extreme tension. Try to correlate the various structural features you encounter in plants to the functions they perform.
Which of the above statements are NOT correct? S1: Fully differentiated xylem vessels, due to their specialized structure, are among the most likely cell types to undergo dedifferentiation. S2: Parenchyma cells are unique among differentiated plant cells in their ability to dedifferentiate and form secondary meristems like cork cambium. S3: The final structure at maturity of a plant cell or tissue is solely determined by its genetic makeup, irrespective of its position within the plant body. S4: Plant growth regulators, such as auxins, primarily promote dedifferentiation in the root apical meristem to maintain its indeterminate growth. S5: The development of strong, lignocellulosic secondary cell walls and the loss of protoplasm are key features of differentiation in tracheary elements.
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