Stem cells in the root and the problem of stem cells in plants

Plant cells are capable of reversible transition from the proliferating to the stem state. This transition is determined by a system of cell-cell interactions and interelationships between plant parts. Stem cells defined as the cells preserving the capacity to divisions and differentiation for a long time arise repeatedly during development of the root and shoot primordial, rather than are clones of a population of stem cells laid down at a certain stage of embryogenesis. The quiescent center cells, rather than the surrounding actively dividing cells, best correspond to the characteristics of stem cells according to Loeffler and Potten. The factors that determine the quiescent center formation and maintenance in the root have been analyzed. The available data suggest that among these factors, indoleacetic acid transport and cap influence are of paramount significance. The cap formation precedes the quiescent center formation both during the root development and in the course of meristem regeneration after the root decapitation. The capacity of stem cell formation by the meristem suggests that not only meristem arises from the stem cells, but also that stem cells are formed from actively dividing cells. Repeated formation of stem cells allows long-term preservation of the capacity of plants for open morphogenesis and vegetative propagation.