# Explain how meristem tissue is important for plant growth and describe how cells from meristem tissue become specialised.

> Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) — 2.4 Plant structure and function · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Meristem tissue contains undifferentiated stem cells
2. Cells in meristem tissue can divide (by mitosis) to produce new cells
3. This division allows the plant to grow (increase in mass or size)
4. Cell elongation occurs, allowing cells to expand and enlarge
5. Cell differentiation occurs so that undifferentiated cells become specialised for their function

## Key terms

- [meristem tissue](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/meristem-tissue)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-meristem-tissue-is-important-88020e92) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.