Dedifferentiation in Plants

If meant literally, Dedifferentiation is the process by which frameworks or disciplines that were supposed to be specialized or categorized for a useful, direct and specific function lose their speciality and become generalized or simplified. 

But in the biological sense, the process refers mainly to the phenomenon that takes place in plants, that is, Dedifferentiation in plants, which is a transient process by which cells are transformed, and they become less categorized or specialized and revert to an earlier state of cell keeping the lineage same. This phenomenon indicates or induces a development or increase in the potency of a cell, which signifies or means that after Dedifferentiation in plants, cells may inherit or get to possess an ability after the process to redifferentiate into more cell types than they did before, which brings the plant study to redifferentiation.

Difference between Dedifferentiation In Plants and Redifferentiation In Plants

The thing is, although these two phenomena may sound the same, they are quite different. And quite does not mean just a sliver of difference; it is quite some difference. We already know what is Dedifferentiation in plants. To know more about redifferentiation and the difference between these two occurrences, let us look at some of the points of difference and then put them into perspective, for a better understanding of the subject matter and also its applications in the organisms, so that comparison can also be inferred from the phenomenon, which varies from organism to organism.

In the process of Dedifferentiation in plants, the cells that have lost the ability to divide and become more and more in number regain their property of dividing under certain terms and conditions.

On the other hand, the process of redifferentiation is where the cells get divided or partitioned and form cells that are stripped of their dividing capacity but undergo maturing to perform specific functions and tasks for the plants.

Examples of Dedifferentiation in Plants

Let us look at some Dedifferentiation in plants examples:

  • Formation of callus by culturing pith cells during tissue culture of plants.
  • Formation of cork cambium from parenchymatous cells, which are fully differentiated.
  • Formation of cambium that is interfascicular.

Why is Dedifferentiation in plants important?

What makes Dedifferentiation so important is that it helps recover the lost cells of plants. Recovery plays a very big part in the cellular system of any living organism, and thus, Dedifferentiation is no less important than any other phenomenon that plants undergo. It is also being implemented nowadays for stem cell research and other purposes such as biotechnology and bioengineering. This phenomenon has been one of the most aggravating factors which have been influential in the foundation of one of the most important and innovative researches of this generation: regeneration in human beings.

Conclusion

Overall, although a bit tough to understand at first, the process becomes trivial to be understood once the primary concept is clear. It is just like the structure of a tree: the tree’s outer bark is quite tough and rough, but the insides are quite easy to cut through. So, the information in this article should suffice for more than enough knowledge regarding the process of Dedifferentiation in plants. 

People also need to know the intricate things or processes that go on inside plants and other organisms that can not be comprehended unless examined very closely and with patience. Scientists and biologists come up with theories and hypotheses regarding phenomena like these with extreme difficulty and effort, and thus, the common people should respect their dedication and pay heed to the papers and theories published by them, in place of just waving things off from their ways just because it does not concern their life or lives.