Question

Formation of cork cambium from fully differentiated parenchyma cell is an example of
A. Differentiation
B. Dedifferentiation
C. Redifferentiation
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: When cork cambium is formed from a fully differentiated parenchyma cell, it shows regression and loses some specialised characteristics that were present in the original cells.
Cork cambium is actually the outermost lateral meristem in woody plants. The cells of the cork cambium can divide to form more similar cells. As the tree ages, the cork cambium differentiates to form annual rings.

Complete answer:
- The formation of cork cambium from fully differentiated parenchyma cells is an example of dedifferentiation.
- Dedifferentiation is the process by which a cell shows regression from a specialised state to a cell having a simpler state. This means that the cell loses certain characteristics and functions.
- The outer part of the cortex undergoes dedifferentiation to form the cork cambium.
- The pattern by which the cork cambium grows and develops is dependent on the species of plant, age, and certain environmental conditions.
- If we observe the bark of different trees, we can even observe the variations – smooth, scaly, flaky, tessellated, and fissured.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
- Differentiation: It is the process by which a type of cell converts into another type of cell, which may be specialised.
- Redifferentiation: It is the process by which cells that have lost their ability to divide are formed from dedifferentiated cells and gain the ability to perform some special functions.

Note: The cork cambium is associated with the lateral growth of plants. The cells of cork cambium are long and rectangular and thin-walled. These cells are impermeable to water due to the deposition of suberin. Cork can protect the plant against environmental stresses like water, mechanical injury, and pathogens.