Introduction: Differentiation, Dedifferentiation, and Redifferentiation
Differentiation is the process whereby a cell ceases to divide and acquires a specific function. Cell differentiation is what endows cells with their mature characteristics. For instance, xylem tissue comprises vessels, tracheids, xylem parenchyma, and xylem fibers. Together, tracheids and vessels form the tracheary elements, which facilitate the transport of minerals and water. Upon completion of differentiation, the tracheary elements become inactive, resulting in dead and hollow structures.
Cells that have differentiated and lost their ability to divide can occasionally regain this capacity, a phenomenon known as dedifferentiation.
Meristems and other tissues can proliferate, leading to the creation of cells that subsequently lose their division capacity but develop specific functions, a process termed redifferentiation.
Therefore, redifferentiation refers to the maturation or specialization of tissues after undergoing dedifferentiation.
Explanation of Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation
Dedifferentiation:
A cell can regain its ability to divide through a mechanism called dedifferentiation, although it forfeits the function that differentiation had conferred upon it. For instance, during a plant’s secondary growth, fully specialized permanent tissues such as vascular cambium and cork cambium (meristems) are established.
Redifferentiation:
Redifferentiation is the process by which a dedifferentiated cell adopts a specific function and once again loses its capacity for division. For example, the formation of secondary xylem and phloem occurs from dedifferentiated cells in the cambial ring.
Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation Difference:
| S.No. |
Dedifferentiation |
Redifferentiation |
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1. |
A cell can restore its ability to separate through a process called dedifferentiation, but it also lose the function that was given to it through differentiation. | Redifferentiation is the process by which a dedifferentiated cell assumes a specific function and relinquishes its ability to divide again. |
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2. |
The cork cambium, wound meristem, & interfascicular vascular cambium are examples of dedifferentiated tissue the functions as meristematic tissues. | The tissue that has experienced redifferentiation is the functionally specialized tissue. Therefore, this is another way in which dedifferentiation and redifferentiation are distinct. |
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3.
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The process of dedifferentiation enables the plant body to produce new cells in a specific location. | Redifferentiation is crucial for carrying out a function unique to a specific part of the plant. |
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4. |
Dedifferentiation occurs when completely developed parenchyma cells are used to create the interfascicular cambium and cork cambium. | One example of redifferentiation is the transformation of the vascular cambium into secondary xylem and phloem. |
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5. |
During development, cells experience significant structural alterations and also generate lignocellulosic secondary cell walls, which are robust, flexible, and capable of transporting water over extended distances. | Secondary xylem and secondary phloem cells cannot divide further, and once they reach maturity, they perform various functions, including maintaining the structural stability of the plant. |
Characteristics of Dedifferentiation and Redifferentiation
Meristematic cells develop into permanent tissues. Permanent tissues can be categorized into two types:
- Simple tissue – Simple tissues consist solely of one type of cell. Examples include parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma.
- Complex tissue – Complex tissues are composed of various cell types, such as in phloem and xylem.
Modifications During Differentiation- Consider xylem tissue, which comprises tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma, and xylem fibers. The tracheary elements, formed from the combination of tracheids and vessels, are responsible for the conduction of water and minerals. These tracheary elements are alive during their development; however, once differentiation is complete, they become dead and hollow.
Generally, differentiated cells return to a redifferentiated state after dedifferentiating the plant body, preparing it for physiological or structural changes.
Summary
Differentiation represents a long-term, qualitative transformation of the protoplasm and cell walls of cells, tissues, and their organs, affecting their structure, chemistry, and physiology. This process often involves the suppression of specific genes, which can lead to the loss of protoplasm in order to form a tracheary element. Dedifferentiation is the mechanism by which differentiated cells regain the ability to divide through mitosis.
In the plant body, dedifferentiated tissue functions as multiple meristematic tissues. Conversely, redifferentiation occurs when these differentiated cells relinquish their previously acquired ability to divide. This process allows the cells to specialize in their specific functional roles, enabling them to perform particular tasks within the plant body. Thus, the primary distinction between dedifferentiation and redifferentiation lies in their effects on the division capabilities of differentiated cells.
