A small group of cells at the growing tip of a plant is called the meristem. As the meristem divides, the resulting cells are able to differentiate into various cell types found in the stems, leaves, and flowers. What type of stem cell is the meristem?
A)multipotent
B)pluripotent
C)totipotent
D)unipotent
E)omnipotent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The meristem is totipotent because it can differentiate into any type of cell found in the plant. Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into multiple cell types, but not all cell types like totipotent stem cells. Multipotent and unipotent stem cells can differentiate into multiple or only one cell type respectively, but they are not capable of differentiating into any type of cell found in the organism. Omnipotent stem cells are not a recognized classification of stem cell.

A Small Group of Cells at the Growing Tip of a Plant