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.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: D — S1, S2, S3 and S4
This question assesses the understanding of dedifferentiation, differentiation, and factors influencing cell fate. S1: Fully differentiated xylem vessels lose their protoplasm and become dead. Dead cells cannot dedifferentiate. Therefore, they are among the *least* likely, not most likely, to dedifferentiate. (Not correct) S2: While parenchyma cells are well-known for their ability to dedifferentiate (e.g., forming interfascicular and cork cambium), the statement that they are *unique* or the *only* ones is an overgeneralization and likely incorrect. Other living differentiated cells with intact protoplasm can also dedifferentiate. (Not correct) S3: The final structure at maturity of a cell/tissue is determined by its location within the plant, in addition to its genetic makeup. For example, cells away from root apical meristems become root-cap cells, and those pushed to the periphery become epidermis. This shows differentiation is open and influenced by position. (Not correct) S4: Auxins promote cell division and growth, but the root apical meristem is *already* a meristem (undifferentiated tissue) and does not need dedifferentiation to maintain its indeterminate growth. Dedifferentiation refers to differentiated cells regaining division capacity. (Not correct) S5: To form a tracheary element, cells develop strong, elastic, lignocellulosic secondary cell walls and lose their protoplasm to efficiently carry water. This is a correct description of differentiation for tracheary elements. (Correct) The statements that are NOT correct are S1, S2, S3, and S4.
What does NCERT say about cells derived from root?
Has this concept appeared in NEET?
Which chapter is this from?
Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 176 of the 180 ReNEET 2026 (June 21) questions were already in the MedicNEET question bank before the exam.
176/180MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.