Plant Development

• Development is the process by which a single cell is transformed into a multicellular organism as a result of cell divisions, cell expansion/growth and cell differentiation

• Cell differentiation is the process by which unspecialized cells are assigned a specific form or function

• What makes plants unique?

  • Mobility- plants are anchored by roots and growth is limited by nutrients available to it

  • Motility of cells- movement is prevented by rigid cell walls, the cells are cemented together and the type of cell division determines the shape of the plant

  • Indeterminate growth- plant meristems allow plants to retain the capacity of unlimited growth throughout their lives

  • Cell differentiation/ Totipotency- cell differentiation is reversible. Capable of giving rise to any type of cell of a mature organism.