Question

You are performing developmental studies during which you extract mesophyll cells from an unusual-looking leaf. In laboratory culture, individual mesophyll cells from this leaf can be induced to regenerate entire plants. How would these cells be classified

Answer 1

meristematic cells

Step-by-step explanation:

The cells will be classified as meristematic cells.

Meristematic cells are undifferentiated cells that are capable of actively dividing and differentiating to give rise rise various tissues/organs of a plant.

Generally in plants, meristematic cells are of three types:

• Those that are capable of dividing and differentiating to give rise to above ground or below ground tissues/organs such as roots, leaves and flowers, also known as apical meristems.
• Those that allow rapid stem elongation and repair, especially in monocots, also known as intercalary meristems.
• Those that give rise to various parts of a flower, also known as flora meristems.

The cells in this case are capable of dividing and differentiating to give rise to the various organs of a complete plant. Hence, they are considered as meristematic cells.