OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What can unspecialized cells in a plant potentially develop into?

1. Only root cells

2. Specialized tissues such as xylem and phloem

3. Only leaf cells

4. Only vascular bundles

The correct answer is: Specialized tissues such as xylem and phloem

Unspecialized cells in a plant, often referred to as meristematic cells, have the remarkable ability to differentiate into various specialized types of cells. This process is fundamental to plant growth and development. The correct answer reflects that these unspecialized cells can develop into specialized tissues such as xylem, which is responsible for water transport, and phloem, which transports nutrients and food. This versatility enables plants to adapt to environmental changes and supports their growth across different organs like roots, stems, and leaves. In contrast, the other choices limit the potential of unspecialized cells. Focusing only on root cells, leaf cells, or vascular bundles would overlook the broader ability of meristematic cells to give rise to a diverse range of specialized tissues beyond just one type, allowing for comprehensive growth throughout the plant.