Kasvupistetermit

Kasvupistetermit, also known as apical meristems, are specialized regions of actively dividing cells found at the tips of plant shoots and roots. These tissues are responsible for the primary growth of plants, meaning they contribute to the increase in length of stems and roots.

In shoots, the apical meristem is located at the very tip of the stem and is responsible for the production of new leaves, flowers, and further stem elongation. It consists of undifferentiated cells that continuously divide through mitosis. These cells then differentiate into various tissues, such as epidermis, cortex, and vascular tissues, forming the new structures of the plant. The process is highly organized, with specific zones within the meristem responsible for different types of growth.

Similarly, the root apical meristem is found at the tip of the root and is crucial for root elongation and the formation of lateral roots. It is protected by a root cap, a layer of cells that shields the delicate meristem as the root grows through the soil. The root apical meristem also produces new root cells, allowing the plant to anchor itself and absorb water and nutrients.

The activity of apical meristems is influenced by various factors, including hormones like auxins and gibberellins, as well as environmental conditions such as light and temperature. Understanding the function of these meristems is fundamental to plant biology and has significant implications in agriculture for crop improvement and propagation techniques.