# Explain why meristematic cells are important for plant growth.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.1.2 Cell division · Explain · 4 marks

> Plants continue to grow throughout their lives, unlike most animals. This growth occurs in specific regions of the plant.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Meristematic cells are a type of stem cell / undifferentiated cell
2. Meristematic cells can divide (by mitosis) to produce new cells
3. Meristematic cells can differentiate into any type of plant cell
4. This allows the plant to produce specialised cells / tissues needed for growth

## Key terms

- [meristematic cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/meristematic-cells)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-meristematic-cells-are-important-79ae905b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.