Plant Stem Cells

STEM CELLS, WHICH have an ability of self—renewal and potency to differentiate multiple types of cells, exist in plants as well as in animals, and play essential roles for the growth and development of both plants and animals. The most characterized stem cells in plants reside in growing tips of shoots (above—ground part of plants) and roots. Stem cells in shoot tips differentiate into the tissues that compose leaves and stems. In some circumstances these cells change their identity to produce flowers. Stem cells in root tips differentiate into various root structures. In woody plants, stem cells named cambial cells produce additional tissue that forms a thick trunk for support of shoot tissues (i.e. secondary growth).

There are several unique features of stem cells in plants ...