a. Differentiation

The cells of the apices of roots, apices of shoot and cambium has the ability to differentiate and mature so that they can perform specific functions. This is known as differentiation. Example: When a tracheary element is formed, cells lose their protoplasm and develop a strong, elastic, lignocellulosic cell wall that would be responsible to carry water for long distances when conditions are extreme. Usually, the cell changes to a more specialized type during differentiation.

b. De-differentiation : A differentiated cells has the ability to regain its capacity for cell division when placed under certain conditions. This is called dedifferentiation. Example: During formation of meristems from fully differentiated parenchyma cells.

c. Redifferentiation: Redifferentiation is the phenomenon where the dedifferentiated cells lose the ability to divide. Example is formation of phloem and secondary xylem from the vascular bundles.