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Differentiation, Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation Questions in English

Class 11 Biology · Plant Growth and Development · Differentiation, Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation

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1
MediumMCQ
In vascular plants,light promotes
A
Growth
B
Development
C
Differentiation
D
De-differentiation

Solution

(C) In vascular plants,light is a critical environmental factor that influences various physiological processes. Specifically,light promotes the process of differentiation,where meristematic cells undergo structural and functional changes to become specialized cells,tissues,or organs. This is essential for the proper development and maturation of the plant body.
2
MediumMCQ
Change in form and physiological activity is termed as
A
Growth
B
Development
C
Differentiation
D
Osmosis

Solution

(C) Differentiation is the process by which cells derived from the root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions.
During this process,cells undergo major structural changes in their cell walls and protoplasm,leading to a change in their form and physiological activity.
3
MediumMCQ
During the course of development,cells in various regions of the embryo become variable in morphology and eventually perform diverse functions. This process is known as
A
Rearrangement
B
Differentiation
C
Metamorphosis
D
Organisation

Solution

(B) The process by which less specialized cells become more specialized in structure and function is called $Differentiation$.
During embryonic development,cells undergo specific changes to form different types of tissues and organs,allowing them to perform distinct physiological roles.
Therefore,the correct term for this developmental process is $Differentiation$.
4
MediumMCQ
Which tissue structure is an example of dedifferentiation?
A
Interfascicular cambium
B
Apical meristem
C
Fascicular cambium
D
Intercalary meristem

Solution

(A) Dedifferentiation is the process where living differentiated cells,which have lost the capacity to divide,regain the capacity to divide under certain conditions.
In plants,the formation of interfascicular cambium from parenchyma cells is a classic example of dedifferentiation.
Fascicular cambium,interfascicular cambium,and cork cambium are formed by the process of dedifferentiation to perform secondary growth.
5
MediumMCQ
The cells formed by repeated divisions of the zygote undergo ... to form tissues, organs, and organ systems.
A
Development
B
Growth
C
Differentiation
D
Meiosis

Solution

(C) The zygote is a single-celled structure formed by the fusion of male and female gametes.
It undergoes repeated mitotic divisions (cleavage) to form a multicellular structure.
These cells then undergo a process called $Differentiation$, where they specialize in structure and function to form various tissues, organs, and organ systems in the developing organism.
6
MediumMCQ
Through which process do tissues, organs, and organ systems form from the new cells generated by the zygote?
A
Cell differentiation
B
Cell division
C
Metamorphosis
D
None of the above

Solution

(A) The zygote undergoes repeated mitotic cell divisions to form an embryo.
Following this, the cells undergo a process called $Cell \text{ } differentiation$, where they become specialized in structure and function to form tissues, organs, and organ systems.
Therefore, the correct process is cell differentiation.
7
EasyMCQ
Which process is responsible for the formation of tissues in multicellular organisms?
A
Division
B
Growth
C
Differentiation
D
Development

Solution

(C) In multicellular organisms, cells originate from a single zygote through repeated mitotic divisions. Initially, these cells are undifferentiated. Through the process of $Differentiation$, these cells undergo structural and functional changes to become specialized for specific tasks. Groups of these specialized cells, which share a common origin and perform a specific function, organize to form $Tissues$. Therefore, $Differentiation$ is the fundamental process responsible for tissue formation.
8
MediumMCQ
The process by which cells form tissues is known as ........
A
Division
B
Differentiation
C
Decomposition
D
All of the above

Solution

(B) The process by which cells undergo structural and functional changes to become specialized for specific tasks is called $Differentiation$. During development, cells divide and then differentiate to form specialized tissues, organs, and organ systems. Therefore, $Differentiation$ is the correct process for the formation of tissues from cells.
9
EasyMCQ
What are the structural and functional changes in the cells of a zygote that lead to tissue formation called?
A
Morphogenesis
B
Growth
C
Development
D
Differentiation

Solution

(D) The process by which cells derived from the zygote undergo structural and functional changes to form specialized tissues is known as $Differentiation$. During this process, cells mature to perform specific functions, leading to the formation of distinct tissues and organs in an organism.
10
MediumMCQ
Assertion $(A)$: Differentiation is a property of a living organism.
Reason $(R)$: Morphogenesis occurs during the process of development.
A
$A$ and $R$ are both true,and $R$ is the correct explanation of $A$.
B
$A$ and $R$ are both true,but $R$ is not the correct explanation of $A$.
C
$A$ is true and $R$ is false.
D
$A$ is false and $R$ is true.

Solution

(B) Differentiation is the process by which cells derived from root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions. This is a fundamental property of living organisms,as it allows for the specialization of cells.
Development is the sum of processes that include growth and differentiation. During development,morphogenesis (the formation of specific shapes and structures) occurs as cells organize into tissues and organs.
Both statements are scientifically correct,but the reason $(R)$ describes a separate aspect of development (morphogenesis) rather than explaining why differentiation is a property of living organisms. Therefore,$R$ is not the correct explanation of $A$.
11
MediumMCQ
Which process leads to the formation of a zygote,and which process results in the formation of tissues?
A
Fertilization,Cell division
B
Fertilization,Growth
C
Fertilization,Differentiation
D
Fertilization,Morphogenesis

Solution

(C) $1$. The fusion of a male gamete and a female gamete is known as $Fertilization$,which results in the formation of a single-celled $Zygote$.
$2$. The $Zygote$ undergoes repeated mitotic cell divisions to form an embryo. During development,cells undergo $Differentiation$,where they become specialized in structure and function to form specific $Tissues$,organs,and organ systems.
12
EasyMCQ
Which process leads to the formation of tissues?
A
Differentiation
B
Development
C
Growth
D
Morphogenesis

Solution

(A) Differentiation is the process by which cells derived from the root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions. This process of maturation leads to the formation of various types of tissues in plants.
13
EasyMCQ
What is the process of change observed in embryonic cells according to their specific functions called?
A
Differentiation
B
Morphogenesis
C
Organogenesis
D
Cell division

Solution

(A) The process by which embryonic cells undergo changes to become specialized in structure and function to perform specific roles in the organism is known as $Differentiation$. During development,cells become distinct from one another,leading to the formation of various tissues and organs.
14
EasyMCQ
In the process of differentiation,what do embryonic cells undergo changes in relation to,and what is formed as a result?
A
Structure,new cells
B
Form,living body
C
Specific functions,specific shape
D
Specific functions,tissues

Solution

(C) Differentiation is the process by which cells derived from the root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions. During this process,cells undergo major structural changes both in their cell walls and protoplasm. As a result,they acquire specific shapes and structures to perform specialized roles in the plant body.
15
EasyMCQ
The process by which cells undergo changes to perform their specific functions is known as .......
A
Growth
B
Morphogenesis
C
Development
D
Differentiation

Solution

(D) Differentiation is the process by which less specialized cells,such as stem cells,undergo changes to become more specialized cell types with specific structures and functions. This allows multicellular organisms to form complex tissues and organs.
16
MediumMCQ
Which process results in the formation of tissue systems, organs, and organ systems in a developing embryo?
A
Growth
B
Differentiation
C
Variation
D
Adaptation

Solution

(B) In a developing embryo, cells undergo a process called $Differentiation$.
During this process, unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function to form specific tissues, organs, and organ systems.
$Growth$ refers to an increase in mass or number of cells, while $Differentiation$ is responsible for the functional and structural specialization of these cells.
17
EasyMCQ
The process by which embryonic cells undergo changes to perform specific functions is known as:
A
Morphogenesis
B
Organization
C
Fertilization
D
Differentiation

Solution

(D) Differentiation is the process by which cells derived from the root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions. During this process,cells undergo major structural changes both in their cell walls and protoplasm.
18
EasyMCQ
Differentiation refers to .........
A
Changes in structure
B
Changes in function
C
Changes in growth
D
Changes in metabolism

Solution

(A) Differentiation is the process by which cells derived from root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions.
During this process,cells undergo major structural changes both in their cell walls and protoplasm to become specialized for a particular function.
Therefore,differentiation refers to the structural changes that cells undergo to become specialized.
19
DifficultMCQ
Senescence as an active developmental cellular process in the growth and functioning of a flowering plant,is indicated in
A
annual plants
B
floral parts
C
vessels and tracheid differentiation
D
leaf abscission.

Solution

(C) : Senescence is the process of ageing which is caused by cellular breakdown,increased metabolic failure,and increased entropy. It occurs in the period between reproductive maturity and death.
Cell division followed by cell enlargement and differentiation precedes the actual separation.
Senescence of cells in the distal region leads to the lignification of the cell wall.
Tylose formation in tracheary elements and callose deposition in sieve elements,which occur in advance of abscission (i.e.,senescence),finally lead to actual separation.
Thus,vessels and tracheid (tracheary elements) differentiation indicates senescence.
20
MediumMCQ
The formation of intrafascicular cambium and cork cambium from fully differentiated parenchyma cells is an example of:
A
Differentiation
B
Dedifferentiation
C
Redifferentiation
D
Senescence

Solution

(B) The process where living differentiated plant cells,which have lost the capacity to divide,regain the capacity to divide under certain conditions is known as $Dedifferentiation$.
Examples of $Dedifferentiation$ include the formation of $intrafascicular$ $cambium$ and $cork$ $cambium$ from fully differentiated $parenchyma$ cells.
$Differentiation$ is the process where cells derived from $meristems$ mature to perform specific functions.
$Redifferentiation$ is the process where $dedifferentiated$ cells mature again to perform specific functions (e.g.,formation of secondary $xylem$ and $phloem$ from $cambium$).
21
MediumMCQ
The living differentiated cells,which regain the capacity of division under certain conditions,are called ....
A
Redifferentiation
B
Dedifferentiation
C
Differentiation
D
Reverse division

Solution

(B) The process by which living differentiated cells,which have lost the capacity to divide,regain the capacity of division under certain conditions is known as $Dedifferentiation$.
For example,the formation of interfascicular cambium and cork cambium from fully differentiated parenchyma cells is a classic example of $Dedifferentiation$.
22
EasyMCQ
Changes that take place in cells on the basis of specific functions are called...
A
Growth
B
Development
C
Differentiation
D
Cell division

Solution

(C) Differentiation is the process by which less specialized cells undergo changes to develop more specialized structures and functions.
During this process,cells become structurally and functionally distinct to perform specific roles within an organism.
Growth refers to an increase in size or number,while cell division is the process of producing new cells.
Therefore,the specialization of cells based on specific functions is known as differentiation.
23
MediumMCQ
What is the process of transformation of one body part into another during regeneration called?
A
Morphogenesis
B
Epimorphosis
C
Morphallaxis
D
Accretionary growth

Solution

(C) Regeneration is the ability of an organism to regrow lost or damaged parts.
$1$. $Epimorphosis$ involves the replacement of a lost part through the proliferation of cells at the wound site,forming a blastema.
$2$. $Morphallaxis$ is a type of regeneration where the existing body parts are remodeled or transformed into new structures to restore the whole organism,often seen in $Hydra$ and $Planaria$.
Therefore,the process of transformation of one body part into another during regeneration is known as $Morphallaxis$.
24
MediumMCQ
In the developing embryo, cells undergo changes in shape and function. This process is known as:
A
Differentiation
B
Transformation
C
Morphogenesis
D
Rearrangement

Solution

(A) During embryonic development, cells become specialized to perform specific functions and acquire distinct shapes. This process of cellular specialization is known as $Differentiation$. Through differentiation, cells derived from the zygote develop into various tissues and organs of the body.
25
MediumMCQ
In flowering plants,senescence is an active developmental cellular process,which suggests growth and function. This is best exemplified by:
A
Differentiation of tracheary elements
B
Leaf abscission
C
Annual plants
D
Flowering parts

Solution

(A) Senescence in plants is not merely a passive decay process but an active developmental phase.
In the formation of tracheary elements (xylem vessels and tracheids),the cells undergo programmed cell death to become hollow,dead structures that facilitate water transport.
This process is a clear example of an active cellular developmental program where the cell's own machinery leads to its death to serve a functional purpose for the plant.
26
MediumMCQ
Which statement best explains why invertebrates regenerate lost tissue more readily than most vertebrates do?
A
Invertebrates contain specialized cells that produce the hormones necessary for this process
B
Invertebrate cells exhibit a higher degree of uncontrolled cell division than vertebrate cells do
C
Invertebrate animals reproduce asexually,but vertebrate animals reproduce sexually
D
Invertebrate animals have more undifferentiated cells than vertebrate animals have

Solution

(D) Invertebrates,which are animals without a backbone,possess a higher proportion of undifferentiated cells (stem cells) compared to vertebrates.
These undifferentiated cells retain the potential to divide and differentiate into various cell types,which facilitates the regeneration of lost tissues or body parts.
In contrast,vertebrate cells are generally more specialized and have limited regenerative capacity.
27
MediumMCQ
Assertion: Specialization of cells is useful for an organism.
Reason: It increases the operational efficiency of an organism.
A
If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
B
If both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not a correct explanation of the Assertion.
C
If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
D
If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.

Solution

(A) Specialization of cells refers to the process where cells differentiate to perform specific functions.
By focusing on a single task,cells become highly efficient at that particular function.
This division of labor among specialized cells significantly increases the overall operational efficiency of a multicellular organism.
Therefore,both the Assertion and the Reason are correct,and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
28
Difficult
Define growth,differentiation,development,dedifferentiation,redifferentiation,determinate growth,meristem,and growth rate.

Solution

(N/A) Growth: It is an irreversible and permanent process,accomplished by an increase in the size of an organ or organ parts or even of an individual cell.
$(b)$ Differentiation: It is a process in which the cells derived from the apical meristem (root and shoot apex) and the cambium undergo structural changes in the cell wall and the protoplasm,becoming mature to perform specific functions.
$(c)$ Development: It refers to the various changes occurring in an organism during its life cycle,from the germination of seeds to senescence.
$(d)$ De-differentiation: It is the process in which permanent plant cells regain the power to divide under certain conditions.
$(e)$ Re-differentiation: It is the process in which de-differentiated cells become mature again and lose their capacity to divide.
$(f)$ Determinate growth: It refers to limited growth. For example,animals and plant leaves stop growing after having reached maturity.
$(g)$ Meristem: In plants,growth is restricted to specialised regions where active cell divisions take place. Such a region is called meristem. There are three types of meristems: apical meristem,lateral meristem,and intercalary meristem.
$(h)$ Growth rate: It can be defined as the increased growth in plants per unit time.
29
Medium
Explain the following terms in the context of plant growth and development:
$(1)$ Differentiation,dedifferentiation,and redifferentiation
$(2)$ Development

Solution

(N/A) $(1)$ Differentiation,Dedifferentiation,and Redifferentiation:
- Differentiation: The process by which cells derived from the root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions. This leads to major structural changes in cell walls and protoplasm.
- Dedifferentiation: The phenomenon where differentiated living cells,which have lost the capacity to divide,regain the capacity to divide under certain conditions. For example,the formation of meristems from fully differentiated parenchyma cells.
- Redifferentiation: The process where dedifferentiated cells divide and produce cells that once again lose the capacity to divide but mature to perform specific functions.
$(2)$ Development:
- Development is a term that includes all changes that an organism goes through during its life cycle,from germination of the seed to senescence. It is the sum of growth and differentiation. In plants,it is controlled by both intrinsic (genetic/hormonal) and extrinsic (light,temperature,water,oxygen,nutrition) factors.
30
EasyMCQ
When do cells regenerate?
A
During the process of differentiation
B
During the process of dedifferentiation
C
During the process of redifferentiation
D
During the process of senescence

Solution

(B) In plant physiology,the process where mature,differentiated cells regain the capacity to divide is known as $dedifferentiation$.
This phenomenon allows cells to form a meristematic tissue,such as the interfascicular cambium or cork cambium,which can then regenerate new tissues or organs.
Therefore,cells regenerate or regain their proliferative capacity during the process of $dedifferentiation$.
31
Easy
Explain in $2-3$ lines each of the following terms with the help of examples taken from different plant tissues.
$(a)$ Differentiation
$(b)$ De-differentiation
$(c)$ Re-differentiation

Solution

(N/A) Differentiation: Cells derived from the root apical and shoot apical meristem and cambium mature to perform specific functions. This process is termed as differentiation. During this,cells undergo major structural changes in their cell walls and protoplasm.
Example: To form a tracheary element,cells lose their protoplasm and develop strong,elastic,lignocellulosic secondary cell walls to transport water.
De-differentiation: Living differentiated cells that have lost the capacity to divide can regain the ability to divide under certain conditions. This phenomenon is termed as de-differentiation.
Example: Formation of interfascicular cambium and cork cambium from fully differentiated parenchyma cells.
Re-differentiation: The cells produced by de-differentiated meristems once again lose the capacity to divide but mature to perform specific functions. This is called re-differentiation.
Example: Formation of secondary xylem and secondary cortex.
32
AdvancedMCQ
In a developing embryo,analyse the consequences if cell divisions are not followed by cell differentiation.
A
The embryo will continue to grow indefinitely.
B
Only a mass of undifferentiated cells will be formed.
C
The embryo will develop into a normal organism.
D
The embryo will immediately undergo apoptosis.

Solution

(B) If cell divisions occur without subsequent cell differentiation,the embryo will fail to organize into specialized tissues and organs.
This results in the formation of an unorganized mass of cells known as a callus or a simple cellular mass.
In flowering plants,for instance,there would be no differentiation of the embryo axis,plumule,radicle,or cotyledons.
Consequently,the new individual cannot develop or survive,as embryogenesis requires both proliferation and differentiation to establish a functional body plan.
33
Medium
Is there any relationship between dedifferentiation and the higher degree of success achieved in plant tissue culture experiments?

Solution

(A) Yes,there is a significant relationship. Dedifferentiation is the process by which mature,differentiated cells (which have lost the capacity to divide) regain the ability to divide under specific culture conditions. This process allows for the formation of a callus,which is an unorganized mass of cells. Because these cells can divide and potentially differentiate into various plant organs,dedifferentiation is fundamental to the success of plant tissue culture,enabling techniques like micropropagation and the regeneration of whole plants from explants.
34
MediumMCQ
All given tissues are formed as a result of the redifferentiation process,except:
A
Phellem
B
Phelloderm
C
Secondary xylem
D
Interfascicular cambium

Solution

(D) Redifferentiation is the process where cells that have already differentiated lose their ability to divide and become mature tissues to perform specific functions. Phellem (cork),phelloderm (secondary cortex),and secondary xylem are all examples of tissues formed by redifferentiation. Interfascicular cambium is formed from the dedifferentiation of parenchyma cells of medullary rays,which regain the capacity to divide. Therefore,it is the exception.
35
MediumMCQ
Development includes (plants):
$I.$ Differentiation
$II.$ Redifferentiation
$III.$ Dedifferentiation
Select the right combination from the given options.
A
$I$ and $II$
B
$II$ and $III$
C
$III$ and $I$
D
$I, II$ and $III$

Solution

(D) Development in plants is a complex process that encompasses all changes that an organism goes through during its life cycle,from germination of the seed to senescence.
Growth is a fundamental component of development.
In plants,growth and development are achieved through three key processes:
$1.$ Differentiation: The process by which cells derived from the root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions.
$2.$ Dedifferentiation: The process where living differentiated cells,that have otherwise lost the capacity to divide,can regain the capacity to divide under certain conditions (e.g.,formation of interfascicular cambium).
$3.$ Redifferentiation: The process where cells produced by dedifferentiated tissues again lose the capacity to divide and mature to perform specific functions.
Since all three processes are essential for the overall development of a plant,the correct combination is $I, II$ and $III$.
36
MediumMCQ
The cells derived from cambium,root apical and shoot apical meristem differentiate and mature to perform specific functions. This act is called
A
Differentiation
B
Dedifferentiation
C
Redifferentiation
D
All of these

Solution

(A) Growth is invariably associated with differentiation.
Differentiation is the process by which cells derived from root apical meristems,shoot apical meristems,and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions.
This process involves major structural changes in both their cell walls and protoplasm.
For example,to form a tracheary element,the cells lose their protoplasm,develop a very strong,elastic,lignocellulosic secondary cell wall to carry water to long distances even under extreme tension.
37
MediumMCQ
During differentiation of tracheary elements:
A
The cells lose their protoplasm.
B
Cells develop very strong,elastic,lignocellulosic secondary cell walls.
C
Both $(a)$ and $(b)$.
D
The cell increases its protoplasm.

Solution

(C) During differentiation,cells undergo major structural changes in both their cell wall and protoplasm.
To form functional tracheary elements,the cells lose their protoplasm to become hollow tubes.
Additionally,they develop very strong,elastic,lignocellulosic secondary cell walls to withstand extreme tension while transporting water over long distances.
38
MediumMCQ
During differentiation,the cells undergo few to major structural changes in their
A
Cell wall
B
Protoplasm
C
Both $(a)$ and $(b)$
D
Cytoplasm

Solution

(C) During differentiation,cells undergo few to major structural changes in both their cell wall and protoplasm.
For example,to form tracheary elements,the cells lose their protoplasm.
They also develop very strong,elastic,lignocellulosic secondary cell walls to carry water to long distances even under extreme tension.
39
MediumMCQ
Cork,secondary cortex and secondary xylem are formed through:
A
Dedifferentiation
B
Redifferentiation
C
Differentiation
D
Obliteration

Solution

(B) The process of plant development involves three key stages: differentiation,dedifferentiation,and redifferentiation.
$1$. Differentiation is the process where meristematic cells mature to perform specific functions.
$2$. Dedifferentiation is the process where mature,differentiated cells regain the capacity to divide (e.g.,formation of interfascicular cambium and cork cambium).
$3$. Redifferentiation is the process where these dedifferentiated cells divide and mature again to form specific secondary tissues.
Cork,secondary cortex,and secondary xylem are all secondary tissues formed from the activity of the vascular cambium and cork cambium (which are dedifferentiated cells) through the process of redifferentiation.
40
MediumMCQ
Which of the following is formed after dedifferentiation?
A
Secondary phloem
B
Secondary cortex
C
Parenchyma
D
Interfascicular vascular cambium

Solution

(D) Dedifferentiation is the process where living differentiated cells,which have lost the capacity to divide,regain the capacity to divide under certain conditions.
In plants,the formation of the interfascicular vascular cambium from medullary ray cells is a classic example of dedifferentiation.
Once these cells dedifferentiate,they become meristematic and can divide to produce new cells.
Secondary phloem and secondary cortex are products of redifferentiation,not dedifferentiation.
41
MediumMCQ
Find the odd one out with respect to differentiation.
A
Loss of nucleus in sieve tube elements
B
Death of protoplasm in tracheary elements
C
Callus formation
D
Lignification in vessels

Solution

(C) Differentiation is the process by which meristematic cells undergo structural changes to become mature,specialized cells.
$A$,$B$,and $D$ represent processes involved in differentiation (maturation of cells).
$C$ (Callus formation) is a process of dedifferentiation,where mature,differentiated cells regain the capacity to divide to form an undifferentiated mass of cells called callus.
42
MediumMCQ
Which of the given is/are examples of differentiation?
A
Loss of nucleus and perforations in some sieve tube members
B
Lignin deposition in tracheids and vessels
C
Differential wall thickening in guard cells
D
More than one option is correct

Solution

(D) Differentiation is the process by which cells derived from the root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions. This process involves major structural changes in their cell walls and protoplasm.
$1$. Loss of nucleus and formation of perforations in sieve tube members are structural changes during maturation.
$2$. Lignin deposition in tracheids and vessels provides mechanical support and water transport efficiency.
$3$. Differential wall thickening in guard cells allows for the regulation of stomatal opening and closing.
Since all these are examples of structural changes during cell maturation,all options $A$,$B$,and $C$ are correct.
43
Medium
Define differentiation. Also,provide details on how you can distinguish between dedifferentiation and redifferentiation.

Solution

(N/A) Differentiation: It is a process in which cells derived from root and shoot-apical meristems,cambium,or other meristems undergo structural and functional changes to mature and perform specific functions. For example,cells lose their protoplasm to form tracheary elements and develop strong,elastic,lignocellulosic secondary cell walls to transport water over long distances.
Dedifferentiation: This is a phenomenon where living differentiated cells regain the capacity to divide mitotically under certain conditions. These cells act as meristems. For example,the formation of interfascicular cambium and cork cambium from fully differentiated parenchyma cells.
Redifferentiation: This occurs when the products of dedifferentiated cells or tissues lose the capacity to divide again and mature to perform specific functions. For example,the formation of secondary cortex and cork from the cork cambium.
44
MediumMCQ
What would you call the parenchyma cells that are made to divide under controlled laboratory conditions during plant tissue culture?
A
Differentiated cells
B
Dedifferentiated cells
C
Redifferentiated cells
D
Meristematic cells

Solution

(B) Parenchyma cells that are induced to divide to form a callus under controlled laboratory conditions are an example of dedifferentiated tissue.
Dedifferentiation is the process by which living differentiated cells,which have otherwise lost the capacity to divide,regain the capacity to divide under certain conditions.
In plant tissue culture,mature parenchyma cells are treated with specific plant growth regulators (like auxins and cytokinins) to induce cell division,resulting in the formation of an unorganized mass of cells known as callus.
This phenomenon is a key aspect of plant plasticity,where differentiated cells revert to a meristematic state.
45
MediumMCQ
The process of formation of interfascicular cambium from medullary rays is called .....
A
Differentiation
B
Dedifferentiation
C
Redifferentiation
D
All of the above

Solution

(B) The process by which living differentiated cells,which have lost the capacity to divide,regain the capacity to divide under certain conditions is known as dedifferentiation.
Medullary rays are composed of differentiated parenchyma cells.
When these cells regain the ability to divide and form the interfascicular cambium,it is a classic example of dedifferentiation.
46
MediumMCQ
The formation of interfascicular cambium from medullary ray cells is called $............$.
A
Differentiation
B
Dedifferentiation
C
Redifferentiation
D
All of the above

Solution

(B) The process where living differentiated plant cells, which have lost the capacity to divide, regain the capacity to divide under certain conditions is known as $Dedifferentiation$.
Medullary ray cells are differentiated parenchyma cells that regain the ability to divide to form the interfascicular cambium.
Therefore, the formation of interfascicular cambium from medullary ray cells is an example of $Dedifferentiation$.
47
MediumMCQ
The process by which cells proceed towards maturation is called $...........$.
A
Differentiation
B
Dedifferentiation
C
Redifferentiation
D
All of the above

Solution

(A) The process by which cells derived from the root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions is called $Differentiation$. During this process, cells undergo major structural changes in both their cell walls and protoplasm.
48
MediumMCQ
What changes occur during the transformation of a meristematic cell into a tracheary element?
A
Cells lose their protoplasm.
B
They develop very strong,elastic,lignocellulosic secondary cell walls.
C
They are suitable for carrying water over long distances even under extreme tension.
D
All of the above.

Solution

(D) The process of differentiation involves structural changes in cells to perform specific functions.
When a meristematic cell differentiates into a tracheary element (like a vessel or tracheid),it undergoes significant modifications:
$1$. The cell loses its protoplasm,becoming a dead cell at maturity.
$2$. It develops very strong,elastic,and lignocellulosic secondary cell walls to withstand high pressure.
$3$. These modifications enable the tracheary elements to transport water over long distances,even under extreme tension (negative pressure).
Therefore,all the given statements are correct.
49
MediumMCQ
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 $.........$.
A
Differentiation
B
Dedifferentiation
C
Redifferentiation
D
All of the above

Solution

(B) The process by which living differentiated cells, which have lost the capacity to divide, regain the capacity to divide under certain conditions is known as $Dedifferentiation$.
For example, the formation of interfascicular cambium and cork cambium from fully differentiated parenchyma cells is a classic example of $Dedifferentiation$.
50
MediumMCQ
Select the correct option for redifferentiation.
A
Formation of cork cambium from cortex
B
Formation of interfascicular cambium from medullary rays
C
Formation of secondary cortex from cork cambium
D
Both $A$ and $B$

Solution

(C) Redifferentiation is the process where differentiated cells,which have lost the capacity to divide,mature to perform specific functions.
For example,the formation of secondary cortex and cork from cork cambium is an example of redifferentiation.
The formation of cork cambium from cortex and the formation of interfascicular cambium from medullary rays are examples of dedifferentiation.
Therefore,the correct option is $C$.

Plant Growth and Development — Differentiation, Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation · Frequently Asked Questions

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