The stem cell concept in plants: a matter of debate

Cell. 2003 May 2;113(3):281-3. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(03)00312-x.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Movement
  • Meristem / cytology
  • Plant Cells*
  • Plant Development*
  • Stem Cells / cytology*