Describe how meristem tissue in plants is similar to embryonic stem cells in animals, and explain why meristem tissue is used by horticulturalists to produce large numbers of identical plants.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Horticulturalists can take small samples of meristem tissue from a single prize-winning plant and use them to grow thousands of new plants with the same desirable characteristics.
Model answer (5 marks)
Meristem tissue contains undifferentiated (stem) cells, just like embryonic stem cells in animals.
Both meristem cells and embryonic stem cells can differentiate into a range of different cell types.
Meristem cells divide by mitosis to produce new cells.
Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, so all plants grown from the same meristem tissue are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Because the new plants are genetically identical, the desirable characteristics of the prize‑winning plant are preserved and passed on to all new plants.
Both meristem cells and embryonic stem cells can differentiate into a range of different cell types.
Meristem cells divide by mitosis to produce new cells.
Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, so all plants grown from the same meristem tissue are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Because the new plants are genetically identical, the desirable characteristics of the prize‑winning plant are preserved and passed on to all new plants.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms ‘undifferentiated stem cells’ and ‘mitosis’
- Show the link between mitosis and genetic identity
- Explain how identity preserves desirable traits
Common mistakes
- Confusing mitosis with meiosis
- Failing to mention that the cells are undifferentiated
- Not linking genetic identity to preservation of traits
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- Meristem tissue contains undifferentiated (stem) cells, like embryonic stem cells
- Both meristem cells and embryonic stem cells can differentiate into a range of different cell types
- Meristem cells divide by mitosis to produce new cells
- Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, so all plants grown from the same meristem tissue are genetically identical to the parent plant
- This means the desirable characteristics of the prize-winning plant are preserved / passed on to all new plants
Key terms in this question
Related
- All Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (9BI0) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe and Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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