Video Transcript
Where are stem cells found in
plants?
Stem cells are unspecialized cells
that can differentiate into any type of specialized cell. They’re found in all multicellular
organisms, including both humans and plants.
In humans, embryos contain stem
cells, which allow different organs and body parts to form from a ball of
undifferentiated cells. In plants, stem cells can be found
in constantly growing regions, such as the tips of roots and shoots.
So what is the part of the plant
where the stem cells are found called? Let’s discuss a few types of cells
in plants to determine which may be the answer we are looking for.
Palisade cells are located beneath
the surface of the leaf and play a role in absorption of light for
photosynthesis. Root hair cells are tubular growths
located on plant roots, increasing the surface area of the root and allowing uptake
of more water. And pollen is the plant’s male
gamete, a specialized cell produced by meiosis and used for sexual reproduction. Since these are specialized or
differentiated cells, they would not be stem cells, which are undifferentiated.
In the leaf tips, root tips, and
cambium, or along the stem or trunk of the plant, there is what is called
meristem. In the meristem, there are actively
dividing cells, producing new cells through mitosis. The cells that are produced will
become specialized as new tissues. However, the cells in the meristem
are still undifferentiated at that point and are referred to as stem cells.
So, the correct answer is
meristem. Stem cells are found in plants in
the meristem.
