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Question #45956
The Question
A researcher isolates a fully differentiated parenchyma cell from a dicot leaf and a fully differentiated fibroblast from a mouse. Both are cultured in vitro. The parenchyma cell successfully forms an undifferentiated mass (callus) and eventually a whole plantlet. However, the fibroblast only proliferates as fibroblasts unless specific transcription factors are introduced via viral vectors. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the underlying biological principles governing this observation?
Options
- A.
Plant parenchyma cells exhibit inherent totipotency and undergo dedifferentiation to form a callus, whereas animal somatic cells require genetic transformation to artificially induce pluripotency.
- B.
Callus formation in plants represents redifferentiation, whereas the reversion of animal somatic cells to stem cells represents dedifferentiation facilitated by competent cell preparation.
- C.
Both plant and animal differentiated cells can naturally undergo dedifferentiation in vitro if made competent using specific concentrations of auxins and cytokinins.
- D.
Plant cells require genetic transformation via Agrobacterium to exhibit totipotency, whereas animal cells naturally dedifferentiate into pluripotent stem cells under standard tissue culture conditions.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Competent Cell Preparation|Differentiation of Stem Cells|Totipotency
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: This question tests the student's ability to distinguish between 'dedifferentiation' and 'redifferentiation', while simultaneously contrasting the natural developmental plasticity (totipotency) of plant cells with the restricted potential of animal cells.
A common misconception is conflating 'competent cell preparation' (a biotechnology technique for prokaryotes) with cellular 'competence' in developmental biology, or assuming animal cells can naturally dedifferentiate in culture like plant cells.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Plant Growth and Development - Class 11 |
| Concept | Differentiation vs Dedifferentiation |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |