redifferentiation

Redifferentiation is a developmental process in biology, particularly in plants, where cells that have previously dedifferentiated re-enter a pathway of specialization to form mature tissues or organs. The term denotes a reestablishment of differentiated states after a phase of pluripotency or dedifferentiation, and is contrasted with initial differentiation.

In mathematics and related disciplines, redifferentiation is not a standard technical term. Some authors use it informally to describe differentiating a function after a transformation or to denote taking higher-order derivatives; however, this usage is uncommon and not widely standardized.

In plant biology, redifferentiation follows dedifferentiation, such as when explant tissues produce callus (undifferentiated mass) that can subsequently regenerate shoots, roots, or vascular tissue. The process involves reprogramming gene expression and epigenetic states, guided by plant hormones (notably auxins and cytokinins) and signaling pathways that direct cell fate.

The concept is central to tissue culture, regenerative biology, and clonal propagation. It presents challenges because redifferentiation must overcome epigenetic memory and spatial organization to yield correctly structured tissues. Advances in molecular biology, developmental genetics, and controlled culture environments have improved predictable redifferentiation in crops and ornamentals.

See also

dedifferentiation

tissue culture

plant regeneration

differentiation (biology)

cellular reprogramming