How are stem cells used in agriculture?

How are stem cells used in agriculture?

• A. Stem cells from meristem can produce large numbers of identical plants very quickly
• B. Plant signals activate stem cells to regenerate tissue after being damaged
• C. Stem cells create new plant species
• D. Stem cells eliminate the need for fertilization

Answer: (A)

Stem cells in plants are found in meristems, where cells stay undifferentiated and can divide to form all parts of the plant. In agriculture, this capacity is used to clone plants quickly through tissue culture or micropropagation. By growing small pieces of meristem tissue on sterile nutrient media with plant hormones, each piece can produce many plantlets, giving large numbers of identical plants from a single parent with desirable traits. This approach speeds up multiplication, ensures uniformity, and can help produce disease-free stock. The other ideas describe regeneration after damage, creating new species, or bypassing fertilization, none of which reflect the primary way stem cells are used to propagate crops.

Stem cells in plants are found in meristems, where cells stay undifferentiated and can divide to form all parts of the plant. In agriculture, this capacity is used to clone plants quickly through tissue culture or micropropagation. By growing small pieces of meristem tissue on sterile nutrient media with plant hormones, each piece can produce many plantlets, giving large numbers of identical plants from a single parent with desirable traits. This approach speeds up multiplication, ensures uniformity, and can help produce disease-free stock. The other ideas describe regeneration after damage, creating new species, or bypassing fertilization, none of which reflect the primary way stem cells are used to propagate crops.