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Cell division and stem cells – WJECStem cells in plants

Cells divide by mitosis for growth and repair. They divide by meiosis to produce gametes for sexual reproduction. Stem cells differentiate into specialised cells during the development of organisms.

Part of Biology (Single Science)Variation, homeostasis and micro-organisms

Stem cells in plants

Cell division in plants occurs in regions called . Cells of the meristem can differentiate to produce all types of plant cells at any time during the life of the plant.

The main meristems are close to the tip of the shoot, and the tip of the root.

Cell division diagram: Shoot tip, Meristem cells are dividing, Cells are becoming differentiated, From the divisions: one cell remains meristematic, the other contributes to growth

In a growing shoot, new cells are being produced continuously near the tip. As the cells become older, they move further away from the tip and become differentiated.