Explain why meristematic cells are important for plant growth.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Plants continue to grow throughout their lives, unlike most animals. This growth occurs in specific regions of the plant.
Model answer (4 marks)
Meristematic cells are undifferentiated stem cells that can divide by mitosis to produce new cells. They can differentiate into any type of plant cell, allowing the plant to produce specialised cells and tissues needed for growth.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms: stem cell, undifferentiated, mitosis, differentiate, specialised cells
- Show the logical sequence: stem cell → mitosis → new cells → differentiation → growth
Common mistakes
- Confusing meristematic cells with differentiated cells
- Omitting the role of mitosis or differentiation
- Using vague language such as "grow" without explaining the cellular basis
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Meristematic cells are a type of stem cell / undifferentiated cell
- Meristematic cells can divide (by mitosis) to produce new cells
- Meristematic cells can differentiate into any type of plant cell
- This allows the plant to produce specialised cells / tissues needed for growth
Key terms in this question
Related
- Revision notes: Cell division →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →