Question

The ability of differentiated plant cells to revert to the embryonic state and form new patterns without an intervening reproductive stage is called

• A. Embryogenesis
• B. Totipotency
• C. De-differentiation
• D. Organogenesis

Hint:

Totipotency is the "Superpower" of plant cells.
Gottlieb Haberlandt (1902) first predicted this, which is why he is the Father of Plant Tissue Culture.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the term describing the unique capacity or potential of a specialized (differentiated) plant cell to regain the ability to divide and develop into an entirely new, whole plant.
Detailed Explanation:

• Totipotency (The Core Concept):
Totipotency is the inherent ability of a single living plant cell to differentiate and give rise to a complete organism.
Unlike most animal cells, which lose this ability as they specialize, many plant cells (like parenchyma) retain their full genetic blueprint and can be "reprogrammed."

• The Process Involved:
To express totipotency, a differentiated cell must first undergo de-differentiation, where it loses its specialized features and becomes meristematic (forming a callus).
It then undergoes re-differentiation to form specific organs (roots and shoots).

• Analyzing other options:
De-differentiation: This is the specific process of reverting to a simpler state, while the question asks for the ability itself.
Organogenesis: The development of organs (roots/shoots) from a callus.
Embryogenesis: The formation of an embryo, either from a zygote or a somatic cell (somatic embryogenesis).

Step 2: Final Answer:
The ability of a mature cell to produce a whole plant is known as totipotency.