Sproßgewebe

Sproßgewebe, also known as shoot apical meristem (SAM) in botanical terminology, refers to the actively dividing regions of plant tissue responsible for the primary growth of shoots. These meristems are located at the tips of stems and branches, as well as in axillary buds, and are crucial for the elongation and development of new organs such as leaves, flowers, and lateral shoots. Unlike permanent tissues, which have specialized functions, sproßgewebe consists of undifferentiated cells that retain the ability to divide and differentiate into various cell types.

The structure of sproßgewebe includes a central zone of slowly dividing cells, a peripheral zone where cells differentiate into leaf primordia, and a rib zone that contributes to the elongation of the stem. This organization allows for coordinated growth and the formation of new structures. The cells in sproßgewebe are typically small, with dense cytoplasm and prominent nuclei, enabling rapid cell division through mitosis.

Sproßgewebe plays a key role in plant development by producing new cells that contribute to the plant’s height, branching pattern, and reproductive structures. It is influenced by environmental factors such as light, hormones like auxin and cytokinins, and genetic regulation. Disruptions in sproßgewebe function can lead to abnormal growth patterns, such as stunted shoots or malformed leaves.

In addition to shoot apical meristems, sproßgewebe also includes lateral meristems like the vascular cambium and cork cambium, which contribute to secondary growth in woody plants. Together, these meristematic tissues ensure the continuous growth and adaptation of plants throughout their life cycle.