Definitions [7]
Define the term growth.
Growth is characterised as an essential process that results in permanent and irreversible changes to the shape, size, form, weight, and volume of a cell, organ, or entire organism, along with an increase in dry matter.
Define the term determinate growth.
Growth that is constrained is referred to as determined growth. For instance, after an animal or plant reaches maturity, its leaves cease to expand.
Define the term meristem.
Meristem is a tissue consisting of unspecialised immature cells, possessing the power of continuous cell division and adding new cells to the body.
Define the term dedifferentiation.
The process by which differentiated cells, which under particular conditions have lost their ability to divide, become meristematic and regain their divisibility is known as dedifferentiation.
Define the term redifferentiation.
- Redifferentiation is the process by which dedifferentiated cells mature or differentiate into cells that are unable to divide.
- Examples of these cells are cork cells and secondary xylem components, which are created by redifferentiating secondary cambial cells.
Define the term differentiation.
The cells derived from root apical and shoot-apical meristems and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions. This act leading to maturation is termed as differentiation.
Define the term development.
In the life history of a cell, organ, or organism, development can be defined as a process that involves growth, differentiation, and maturation in a predictable sequence, such as seed germination, growth differentiation, flowering, seed production, and senescence.
