Plant Stem Cells (Edexcel GCSE Biology): Revision Note

Exam code: 1BI0

Lára Marie McIvor

Written by: Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham

Updated on

Plant Stem Cells

  • In plants, stem cells are found in the root and shoot tips, in the meristem tissue

  • Meristem cells are unspecialised cells that can differentiate into the cells needed by the plant in regions where growth is occurring

    • For example, meristem cells in the roots can differentiate into root hair cells as well as other cells required in this part of the plant

  • Plant stem cells retain the ability to differentiate into any type of plant cell throughout the life of the plant

  • It is possible to use plant stem cells to clone plants with desired characteristics

    • e.g. resistance to certain diseases

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Lára Marie McIvor

Author: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Content Creator

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

Lucy Kirkham

Reviewer: Lucy Kirkham

Expertise: Content Creator

Lucy has been a passionate Maths teacher for over 12 years, teaching maths across the UK and abroad helping to engage, interest and develop confidence in the subject at all levels.Working as a Head of Department and then Director of Maths, Lucy has advised schools and academy trusts in both Scotland and the East Midlands, where her role was to support and coach teachers to improve Maths teaching for all.