True or False: All plant cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types.

Prepare for the BASF Plant Science Certification Exam. Study using flashcards and multiple choice questions; each question includes hints and explanations. Ace your exam effortlessly!

The statement that all plant cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types is false. While many plant cells are capable of differentiation, this ability is not uniform across all plant cells.

In plants, differentiation typically occurs in meristematic cells—these are undifferentiated cells found in specific growth regions like the tips of roots and shoots. These cells can divide and give rise to various specialized cell types, such as xylem, phloem, or epidermal cells. However, once cells have fully differentiated into specific cell types, they usually lose the ability to further differentiate into other types of cells.

There are also certain plant cells, such as those that make up mature tissues, which are generally committed to their functions and do not have the potential to become other types. Thus, the ability to differentiate is limited and is primarily associated with certain types of cells within the plant, confirming that not all plant cells share this characteristic.

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