Question

The process in which a simple permanent tissue like parenchyma and collenchyma regain their power of cell division and becomes lateral meristems. It helps in the formation of secondary tissues known as

• A. Dedifferentiation
• B. Cell division
• C. Autolysis
• D. Totipotency

Answer 1

The correct option is A Dedifferentiation

The cells derived from root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions. This act leading to maturation is termed as differentiation. During differentiation, cells undergo few to major structural changes both in their cell walls and protoplasm. The living differentiated cells, that by now have lost the capacity to divide can regain the capacity of division under certain conditions. This phenomenon is termed as dedifferentiation. For example, formation of meristems – interfascicular cambium and cork cambium from fully differentiated parenchyma cells. While doing so, such meristems / tissues are able to divide and produce cells that once again lose the capacity to divide but mature to perform specific functions, i.e., get redifferentiated.