| Comparative basis | Plant Differentiation | Plant Dedifferentiation | Plant Redifferentiation |
| Definition | This process, by which unspecialized meristematic cells are differentiated into permanently existing structurally and functionally specialized cells, is referred to as differentiation. | The capability of the mature, living, and differentiated cells to re-acquire the capacity to divide is referred to as dedifferentiation. | Redifferentiation is the process by which dedifferentiated cells lose their ability to divide and become specialized again. |
| Nature of Cells | It involves the structural and functional organization of the cells. | It comes along with the removal of structural and functional specialization. | Again, structural specialization in the cells takes place. |
| Ability to Divide | As the process of differentiation occurs, cells ultimately cannot divide anymore. | Dedifferentiation restores the ability to divide. | Redifferentiation is the process by which the cells lose their meristematic activity again. |
| Type of Tissues Formed | Permanent tissues such as xylem, phloem, epidermis, and mesophyll are formed. | It leads to the formation of secondary meristems. | Secondary xylem, secondary phloem, cork, etc., are formed. |
| Cell Wall Characteristics | The walls of the cells are lignified or thickened depending on the function. | The cell walls are reduced and simplified. | The walls of the cell may be suberized, cutinized, or lignified. |
| Vacuole Condition | During differentiation, vacuole formation takes place and results in an increase in cell size. | The vacuoles contract or disappear during this process. | The vacuoles are permanent, and they become large in size. |
| Cell Organelles and Physiology | Major changes are observed in the cell wall and cytoplasm. Cells develop strong secondary cell walls for support and transport. | Cells become smaller and increase their cytoplasm. Rigid cell walls become more elastic. | Cells develop specific organelles, such as chloroplast, and cell walls, in a similar way to differentiation. |
| Reversibility | The differentiation is an irreversible process, but reversible under specific conditions. | Dedifferentiation can be reversed. | The process of redifferentiation is permanent. |
| Occurrence in the Plant Body | It is predominantly found throughout the development of the plant. | Dedifferentiation is significant to secondary growth. | This follows after the formation of secondary meristems. |
| Tissue Type Involved | Occurs in meristematic tissue to form permanent tissues. | It occurs in permanent tissue to form secondary meristematic tissues. | Occurs in secondary meristematic tissues to form its permanent tissues. |
| Role in Growth | Important for primary growth and tissue specialization. | Important for secondary growth and wound healing. | Important for secondary growth, wound healing, and tissue specialization. |
| Repair and Development Role | It produces specialized tissues for support, transport, and photosynthesis. | It helps in the healing and regeneration of wounds. | It stabilizes tissue organisation after regeneration. |
| Hormonal Regulation | Gibberellins, auxins, and cytokinins play an important role in differentiation. | The auxins and cytokinins primarily regulate dedifferentiation. | Redifferentiation is regulated by auxins and cytokinins. |
