unspecialised cells that undergo mitosis and can differentiate into any type of plant cell

where new plant growth occurs above the ground

where new plant growth occurs underground

a plant tissue that transports water upwards through the plant

a plant tissue that transports sugars through the plant

Meristem cells in plants

Combined science

Pupils will learn about the roles of hormones in human reproduction, including control of the menstrual cycle, and other uses of hormones such as in in contraception.

Pupils learned about growth through cell division, mitosis as part of the cell cycle, cancer as the result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and division, and the formation of gametes by meiosis.

This unit explores the function of stem cells and the importance of cell differentiation. It discusses the benefits and risks of stem cell use in medicine, evaluates applications of science, and considers the personal, social, economic, and environmental implications of scientific decisions.

Stem cells and differentiation

Which of these cells is **not** a specialised cell?

Which of these cells could become any type of cell in a plant?

Sam: “Meristem cells are only found in the plant stem.”

Izzy: “Despite their name, meristem cells are only found in plant roots.”

Lucas: “Meristem cells are found in plant roots, shoots and stems.”

turns meristem cells into specialised cells

During differentiation of meristem cells to become specialised cells, {{}} are switched on or off.

All the cells in the cutting are unspecialised.

Only cell elongation is required to make new specialised cells and tissues.

The cutting contains meristem cells that can turn into any type of plant cell.

Which statement explains why a small cutting of a plant shoot can grow into a whole plant with roots, shoots and stems?

Which of these cells could become any type of cell in an animal?

In multicellular organisms, body cells divide by the process of {{}} to make new body cells.

What is the name of the process that turns an unspecialised stem cell into a specialised cell?

Jacob: “Genes are deleted from the genome when a cell differentiates.”

Andeep: “Some genes are turned off or on when a cell differentiates.”

Sofia: “Genes are added to the genome when a cell differentiates.”

True or false? All specialised body cells have the same genes present in their genome.

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Meristem cells in plants

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.