meristeemekua

Meristeemekua is a term used in biology to describe a tissue composed of actively dividing cells. These cells are undifferentiated, meaning they have not yet specialized into specific cell types. The primary function of meristematic tissue is to produce new cells through cell division, which in turn leads to the growth and development of the plant.

Meristematic tissues are found in specific regions of a plant where growth occurs. In plants, these regions are typically at the tips of roots and shoots, contributing to primary growth, which increases the length of the plant. This type of meristematic tissue is called apical meristem. There are also lateral meristems, such as the vascular cambium and cork cambium, which are responsible for secondary growth, increasing the girth or diameter of the plant. Intercalary meristems are found at the bases of nodes or leaf sheaths and contribute to the elongation of stems and leaves.

The cells of meristeemekua are characterized by their small size, thin cell walls, dense cytoplasm, and large nuclei. They typically lack large central vacuoles, which are common in mature plant cells. These cells divide mitotically, producing daughter cells that can either remain meristematic or differentiate into various specialized tissues, such as xylem, phloem, epidermis, or parenchyma. The continuous activity of meristeemekua is essential for plant survival, allowing them to adapt to their environment by growing and developing new organs and structures.