Dedifferentiation in Plant Cells

Dedifferentiation is a process in which specialized cells lose their specialized characteristics and revert back to a more primitive, undifferentiated state. This process is commonly observed in plant cells and plays a crucial role in various aspects of plant development and regeneration. Among the given terms, the following are products of dedifferentiation:

1. Cork: Cork cells are formed from the dedifferentiation of the epidermal cells of the stem and root. These cells undergo a transformation into cork cambium, which then divides and forms the cork cells. Cork cells are dead at maturity and provide protection, insulation, and waterproofing to the plant.

2. Phellogen: Phellogen, also known as cork cambium, is a secondary meristem that arises from the dedifferentiation of parenchyma cells in the cortex or pericycle. It is responsible for the production of cork cells toward the outside and phelloderm cells toward the inside. Phellogen plays a vital role in the formation of the protective cork layer in stems and roots.

3. Secondary Root: In some plants, the formation of secondary roots occurs through dedifferentiation of pericycle cells. Pericycle cells, which are located just inside the endodermis, can undergo dedifferentiation and reenter the cell cycle. These dedifferentiated cells give rise to meristematic cells that form the vascular cambium, which leads to the development of secondary roots.

4. Stem Branches: Branching in plants involves the dedifferentiation of cells in the axillary buds. Axillary buds are formed during the process of embryogenesis and remain dormant until they receive appropriate signals to grow. When the conditions are favorable, the cells in the axillary buds dedifferentiate and start dividing, leading to the formation of stem branches.

5. Protoxylem and Protophloem: Protoxylem and protophloem are the first-formed conducting tissues in the vascular system of plants. They are derived from dedifferentiation of procambial cells, which are undifferentiated cells located between the primary xylem and phloem. These cells differentiate into protoxylem and protophloem, respectively, and play a crucial role in water and nutrient transport.

6. Phelloderm: Phelloderm is a tissue formed from the dedifferentiation of cortical cells, especially in woody plants. It is produced by the cork cambium (phellogen) toward the inside. Phelloderm cells are living at maturity and function in storage and wound healing.

7. Metaxylem: Metaxylem is the mature and functional part of the xylem tissue. It is formed after the dedifferentiation of protoxylem cells. Metaxylem cells undergo secondary wall thickening and become specialized for water and mineral transport.

In conclusion, cork, phellogen, secondary root, stem branches, protoxylem, protophloem, phelloderm, and metaxylem are all products of dedifferentiation in plant cells. Dedifferentiation allows cells to regain their meristematic properties and contribute to various aspects of plant growth, development, and regeneration.