Question

The process in which a simple permanent tissue like parenchyma and collenchyma regain their power of cell division and become lateral meristems. It helps in the formation of secondary tissue known as
A. Dedifferentiation
B. Cell division
C. Autolysis
D. Totipotency

Answer 1

Hint: It is the process in which the cell reverts back to its unspecialized form from its specialized form. The cells become generalized and again differentiate to form more cell types. The cells undergoing this process can act as meristem. The formation of interfascicular cambium and cork cambium from fully differentiated parenchyma cells is an example of this process.

Complete answer:
Option A Dedifferentiation: It is a process where the cells that have lost the capability to divide, regain their dividing power under certain conditions. The formation of meristems from fully differentiated parenchyma and collenchyma cells is the example of dedifferentiation
Option A is correct.
Option B Cell division: It is a process where one or two new cells arise from the pre-existing cells. There are two types of cell division namely mitosis and meiosis.
Option B is incorrect.
Option C Autolysis: Autolysis refers to the process of destruction of old cells by the plant’s own enzymes which are released by lysosomes. In some plants, autolysis happens to release the stored food materials in the cell for utilization.
Option C is incorrect.
Option D Totipotency: Totipotency is the potential of a plant cell to produce the entire plant. It is defined as the ability of a single cell to divide and produce all of the differentiated cells in the plant. Totipotency does not restore the cell dividing power to permanent tissues.
Option D is incorrect.

So, Option A. Dedifferentiation is the correct answer.

Note:
Dedifferentiation is common in plants during secondary growth and wound healing process. The dedifferentiated cells have the ability to form different cell types through a process called redifferentiation. The newly produced cells once again become a part of permanent tissues. In humans, dedifferentiation can lead to the formation of tumour cells.