Asexual Reproduction in Plants

What is Asexual Reproduction? Asexual reproduction in plants ensures that each new plant will have the same DNA as its parent.

Facts About Plants… Plants continue to grow throughout their lives Each tip of a root or stem in a plant contains growing areas called meristems

Meristems Meristem is composed of unspecialized cells that undergo mitosis and cell division repeatedly, producing new cells.

What Are Unspecialized Cells? Unspecialized cells are cells that can develop into any type of cell in the plant They are found in the developing parts of plants, such as the roots and stems Meristamic cells develop into specialized cells in the roots, stems, and leaves of the plant

Cloning A Plant Cut the stem of a plant (it is best to choose a stem with at least 3 leaves on it) Place the cut end of the stem into a covered container (use tinfoil) filled with water, such that the stem is submersed in 3 cm of water Wait and watch

Mature Plant Cells Once plant structures mature, their cells do not divide under normal conditions If a plant becomes damaged, the meristematic cells are activated and the plant will repair itself