The stem cell concept in plants: a matter of debate.
Throughout their life, which can last for over a thousand years, plants have the fascinating ability to give rise to new organs from founder cells in their apical meristems. Whether these founder cells are equivalent to the pluripotent stem cells in animals has been a long-standing controversy amongst plant scientists. Here, this controversy will be addressed in light of classical observations and recent findings.
Institute of Biology III, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany. laux@biologie.uni-freiburg.de
Thomas
T
Laux
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D018519:Meristem / Q000166:cytology; D059828:Plant Cells; D063245:Plant Development; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*