Question

Differentiate between growth and differentiation?

Answer 1

Hint: In plants growth is not limited it occurs throughout the life of the plants . There are different stages of development in plants from zygote to a mature plant . And development is the sum of two processes: growth and differentiation . There are some factors that control the developmental process in plants which are both internal and external.

Complete answer:
A.Growth
1.Growth is regarded as one of the most fundamental and conspicuous characteristics of a living being . Growth can be defined as an irreversible permanent increase in the size of an organ or its parts or even of an individual cell.
2. The first step in the process of plant growth is seed germination . The seeds germinate when favourable conditions for growth exist in the environment in the absence of such favourable conditions the seeds did not germinate and go into the period of suspended growth or rest . Once favourable conditions return the seeds resume metabolic activities and growth take place .
3. In plants growth generally is indeterminate . Plant growth is unique because in plants the capacity is for unlimited growth throughout their life . This form of growth in which new cells are added to the plant body by the activity of meristem is called the open form of growth .

B.Differentiation
1. The act leading to maturation is termed as differentiation .
2.The cells derived from root apical and shoot apical meristem and cambium differentiate and mature to perform specific functions .
3.During differentiation cells undergo two major structural changes both in their cell walls and protoplasm.

Note: Differentiated cells can also become meristematic by the process called dedifferentiation.