Plant Cell Differentiation

Plant cell differentiation

The process of specialization through selective gene expression

Meristem cells

Undifferentiated cells that are capable of dividing and giving rise to specialized cells

Zygote formation

The process of fertilization resulting in the formation of a diploid cell

Selective gene expression

The process by which certain genes are turned on or off to allow for specialization

Primary plant organs

Leaves, stems, and roots

Epidermal tissue

Tissue that covers the surface of plants and provides protection against water loss and pathogens

Guard cells

Specialized cells in the epidermis that regulate the opening and closing of stomata for gas exchange

Stomata

Small openings on the surface of leaves, stems, and some roots that allow for gas exchange

Transpiration

The process by which water is lost from plants through stomata, resulting in hydration, cooling, and mineral dispersal

Vascular tissue system

The tissue system in plants that contains both phloem and xylem for the transport of water, nutrients, and sugars

Xylem tissue

Tissue in plants that transports water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant

Xylem vessel members (XVMs)

Cells in the xylem tissue that are responsible for the vertical transport of water and have perforation plates

Lignin

A substance that fills the cell walls of xylem vessel members (XVMs) except at the pits, providing support and flexibility

Phloem tissue

Tissue in plants that transports sugars from the leaves to other parts of the plant

Companion cells

Cells in the phloem tissue that support and keep sieve tube members (STMs) alive

Collenchyma cells

Cells in the ground tissue system that provide support and flexibility in seedlings

Sclereids

Cells in the ground tissue system that are specialized for support and may be dead or alive, short, and wide

Stone cells

Sclereids that are located in plants, such as pear or water leaves, for anti-predation

Parenchyma cells

Cells in the ground tissue system that insulate, store nutrients, and have the potential to change into other cell types

Collenchyma tissue

Tissue located just below the epidermis in plants that provides support and flexibility in seedlings

Tracheids

Cells in the xylem tissue that are the main water conductors in flowering plants and have perforation plates for vertical water transport

Conifers

Plants in which the presence of tracheids as the main water-conducting cells is more common

Sieve tube members (STMs)

Cells in the phloem tissue that conduct sugars

Sieve plates

Structures in the phloem tissue that facilitate the flow of sugars between sieve tube members (STMs)

Epidermal cells

Cells in the epidermal tissue that provide protection against water loss and pathogens