AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Meristem tissue in plants can differentiate into any type of plant cell,…
Full specification wording
Stem cells: Meristem tissue in plants can differentiate into any type of plant cell, throughout the life of the plant.
Meristem tissue is found in growing regions of plants, such as shoot tips, root tips and cambium.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 5 of 11
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Meristem tissue is found in growing regions of plants, such as shoot tips, root tips and cambium. The cells there remain unspecialised and can divide by mitosis. Unlike most animal cells, plant meristem cells retain the ability to differentiate into any type of plant cell for the whole life of the plant. This allows plants to grow new leaves, stems, roots and flowers, and to replace damaged parts. For example, cells from a shoot tip meristem can be grown in culture and treated with plant hormones to produce roots and shoots, forming a clone of the parent plant. The statement therefore covers three linked ideas: the tissue is meristem, its cells can become any plant cell type, and this ability persists throughout the plant's life.
What earns the marks
- Identify meristem tissue as unspecialised plant tissue found in growing regions such as shoot tips and root tips.
- State that meristem cells divide by mitosis.
- Explain that meristem cells can differentiate into any type of plant cell.
- State that this ability continues throughout the life of the plant.
- Apply the idea to plant growth, repair or cloning, for example using tissue culture to produce new plants.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying meristem cells can differentiate into any type of cell, including animal cells.
Put it right by specifying any type of plant cell.
Stating that meristem tissue is only present in young plants.
Put it right by explaining that meristems remain active throughout the plant's life.
Confusing meristem tissue with fully differentiated tissue such as xylem.
Put it right by describing meristem cells as unspecialised and capable of division.
Exam tips
- Name a specific meristem location, such as a shoot tip or root tip, to support your answer.
- Use the phrase throughout the life of the plant when the question asks about duration.
- Link meristem cells to a practical use, such as tissue culture or cloning, to show application.
Try the lesson
The start of the Stem cells: Meristem tissue in plants can differentiate into any type of plant cell, throughout the life of the plant. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which statement correctly describes the ability of meristem tissue in plants?
Listen
Meristem tissue is found in growing regions of plants, such as shoot tips, root tips and cambium. The cells there remain unspecialised and can divide by mitosis. Unlike most animal cells, plant meristem cells retain the ability to differentiate into any type of plant cell for the whole life of the plant. This allows plants to grow new leaves, stems, roots and flowers, and to replace damaged parts. For example, cells from a shoot tip meristem can be grown in culture and treated with plant hormones to produce roots and shoots, forming a clone of the parent plant. The statement therefore covers three linked ideas: the tissue is meristem, its cells can become any plant cell type, and this ability persists throughout the plant's life. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify meristem tissue as unspecialised plant tissue found in growing regions such as shoot tips and root tips. State that meristem cells divide by mitosis. Explain that meristem cells can differentiate into any type of plant cell. State that this ability continues throughout the life of the plant. A common slip: Saying meristem cells can differentiate into any type of cell, including animal cells. Instead, specifying any type of plant cell. Exam tip: Name a specific meristem location, such as a shoot tip or root tip, to support your answer.
See it
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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