Kasvupunktideks

Kasvupunktideks, often translated as "growth points" or "meristems" in English, refers to the areas in a plant where active cell division and growth occur. These are undifferentiated cells that retain the ability to divide and specialize, leading to the development of new tissues and organs.

There are two main types of meristems: apical meristems and lateral meristems. Apical meristems are located at the tips of roots and shoots, and they are responsible for the primary growth of the plant, increasing its length. This is how roots grow deeper into the soil and stems grow taller. Lateral meristems, such as the vascular cambium and cork cambium, are found in cylinders along the length of stems and roots. They are responsible for secondary growth, which increases the diameter or girth of the plant. This secondary growth is particularly prominent in woody plants, leading to the formation of wood and bark.

Other types of meristems include intercalary meristems, which are found in some monocots, like grasses, at the base of leaf nodes and internodes. These allow the grass to regrow quickly after being cut or grazed. The activity of these growth points is crucial for plant development, adaptation, and overall survival, enabling plants to respond to environmental changes by extending their reach for resources like sunlight and water.