Plant Stem Cells-Regulation and Applications: A Brief Review

Existences of pluripotent and totipotent stem cells in plants have been reported over the years. Major genes in plants identified to maintain the stem cell niche, niche position and cell differentiation include Wuschel (WUS), Clavata (CLV), Plethora (PLT), Scarecrow(SCR) and Meristemless (STM) along with other genes whose functions are yet to be understood. Plant stem cells are present within niches of defined zones of the shoot and root meristem. Transcription factors and phytohormones have been reported to regulate the maintenance and function of plant stem cells. The various forms of plant stem cells, their regulatory genes and the applications of their regenerative properties are discussed throughout the review.