Meristem tissue is found in plants and contains undifferentiated stem cells. Explain why meristem tissue is important for plant growth and how scientists can use this tissue to produce large numbers of identical plants.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Gardeners and agricultural scientists can use cuttings taken from the meristem regions of plants to grow new plants quickly and on a large scale.
Model answer (5 marks)
Meristem tissue contains undifferentiated stem cells that can differentiate into any specialised plant cell type.
Because of this pluripotency, the plant can produce new tissues and organs such as roots, leaves and shoots, allowing continuous growth.
Scientists exploit this by taking cuttings from meristem regions. The cuttings are rooted and grown in culture or on a substrate, producing new plants.
Since the cuttings are derived from the same cells as the parent, the resulting plants are genetically identical – a form of asexual reproduction.
Because of this pluripotency, the plant can produce new tissues and organs such as roots, leaves and shoots, allowing continuous growth.
Scientists exploit this by taking cuttings from meristem regions. The cuttings are rooted and grown in culture or on a substrate, producing new plants.
Since the cuttings are derived from the same cells as the parent, the resulting plants are genetically identical – a form of asexual reproduction.
Examiner tips
- Mention pluripotency of meristem cells
- Explain that new tissues/organ growth is possible
- State that cuttings are taken from meristem
- Highlight asexual reproduction and genetic identity
Common mistakes
- Confusing meristem cells with differentiated cells
- Failing to note that new plants are genetically identical
- Omitting the role of meristem in forming new tissues
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- Meristem tissue contains undifferentiated (stem) cells
- These cells can undergo cell differentiation to become any specialised plant cell type
- This allows the plant to grow new tissues and organs (e.g. roots, leaves, shoots)
- Scientists can take cuttings from meristem tissue and use them to grow new plants
- The new plants produced are genetically identical to the parent plant (asexual reproduction)
Key terms in this question
meristem tissue · undifferentiated
Related
- All Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
More Stem cells and cell potency questions
- A patient with a degenerative joint condition is told that doctors could use ste…
- A burns patient has lost a large area of skin and requires a skin graft. Doctors…
- A scientist is researching treatments for a blood disorder that destroys red blo…
- Embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells are both types of stem cell, but they …