Biology · Plant Growth and Development · NEET
No. Both end in a mature cell that cannot divide, but the starting cell is different. In differentiation the cell starts from a meristem (a natural dividing tissue like apical meristem or cambium) and matures. In redifferentiation the cell starts from a DEDIFFERENTIATED cell (a mature cell that first regained division power) and then matures again. So redifferentiation always comes AFTER dedifferentiation, while normal differentiation does not.
They are opposite steps. Dedifferentiation = a mature cell that had stopped dividing REGAINS the power to divide (example: parenchyma becoming interfascicular cambium and cork cambium). Redifferentiation = that dividing cell then LOSES the power to divide again and matures into a fixed-function cell. Easy line: dedifferentiation switches division ON, redifferentiation switches it OFF.
During secondary growth in a woody dicot, interfascicular cambium (made by dedifferentiation) divides and its daughter cells mature into secondary xylem and secondary phloem. These secondary tissues are products of redifferentiation. Cork (formed by cork cambium/phellogen) is another product of redifferentiation.
Because redifferentiation acts on cells that are actively dividing, and only dedifferentiation can make a mature cell divide again. NEET 2025 tested this exact idea: 'Dedifferentiation is a pre-requisite for re-differentiation' was marked correct. So the order is always: mature cell → dedifferentiation (gains division) → redifferentiation (loses division, matures).
No. After redifferentiation the cell has once again lost the capacity to divide. It becomes a mature, permanent cell doing a specific function. Only the middle stage (the dedifferentiated meristem) divides.
Formation of interfascicular cambium from fully developed parenchyma cells is an example for
Read the following statements on plant growth and development. A. Parthenocarpy can be induced by auxins. B. Plant growth regulators can be involved in promotion as well as inhibition of growth. C. Dedifferentiation is a pre-requisite for re-differentiation. D. Abscisic acid is a plant growth promoter. E. Apical dominance promotes the growth of lateral buds. Choose the option with all correct statements.
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
Redifferentiation is the phenomenon in which dedifferentiated cells (which had regained division power) again lose the capacity to divide and mature to perform specific functions.
Secondary xylem, secondary phloem (from vascular cambium) and cork/periderm (from cork cambium). These are the mature tissues formed after dedifferentiation and division.
No. Growth itself is irreversible. Redifferentiation is about a cell losing division power and maturing; it is part of development, not a reversal of growth.
NCERT Class XI, Chapter 13 Plant Growth and Development, section 13.2 'Differentiation, Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation'. It is regularly asked in NEET, so learn the exact order and examples.
