Describe how meristem tissue in plants is related to cell differentiation and explain why this makes meristem tissue important for plant growth.

Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 2.2 Cell differentiation, growth and stem cells · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Meristem tissue is made up of undifferentiated stem cells.
These cells can undergo cell differentiation to become specialised cell types.
Meristem cells divide by mitosis, producing new cells.
This continual cell division and differentiation allows the plant to grow by increasing cell number and forming new specialised tissues and organs.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms "undifferentiated stem cells", "cell differentiation", "mitosis", and link to growth.
  • Show the logical sequence: stem cells → mitosis → new cells → differentiation → growth.
  • Keep each point concise and separate them clearly.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing mitosis with meiosis; only mitosis occurs in meristems.
  • Lumping all plant growth into cell division without mentioning differentiation.
  • Using vague phrases like "plant growth" without explaining the role of new specialised tissues.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Meristem tissue contains undifferentiated (stem) cells
  2. These cells can undergo cell differentiation to become specialised cell types
  3. Meristem cells divide by mitosis to produce new cells
  4. This allows the plant to grow (by increasing cell number / producing new specialised tissues / organs)

Key terms in this question

meristem tissue · cell differentiation

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