The functional similarities of stem cells in plants and animals probably have evolved independently as solutions to the problem of balancing the need to grow with the need to produce specialized ...

A new method developed by Penn State biologists allows them to turn stripped-down plant cells into other types of cells, similar to the way stem cells differentiate into different cell types.

Phloem cells transport sugary water from the leaves to the rest of the plant. Xylem cells run inside stems of plants from their roots to their leaves. Xylem cells die and their ends break down.