Cell differentiation is accompanied during period of

Options

A. lag phase
B. log phase
C. diminishing growth
D. senescence

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Cell Differentiation**: Cell differentiation is the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type. This process is crucial for the development of tissues and organs in plants.

2. **Identifying Growth Phases**: Growth in populations, including plant cells, is typically divided into four main phases:
- **Lag Phase**: This is the initial phase where cells are preparing for growth. There is little to no cell division occurring.
- **Log Phase (Exponential Phase)**: This phase is characterized by rapid cell division and growth. Cells are actively dividing and increasing in number.
- **Stationary Phase (Diminishing Growth)**: In this phase, the rate of cell division slows down, and the growth rate decreases. It is during this phase that cell differentiation occurs.
- **Decline Phase (Senescence Phase)**: This phase is marked by a decline in cell growth and function, leading to cell death.

3. **Linking Cell Differentiation to Growth Phases**: It is important to note that cell differentiation does not occur during active cell division (as in the log phase). Instead, it occurs when the growth rate diminishes, which corresponds with the stationary phase.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the understanding of the growth phases, we can conclude that cell differentiation is accompanied during the period of diminishing growth, which corresponds to the stationary phase.

5. **Final Answer**: The correct option is **C. Diminishing Growth**.

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