meristemistä

Meristematic tissue, often referred to simply as meristems, are a type of plant tissue that consists of undifferentiated cells capable of undergoing cell division. These actively dividing cells are responsible for the growth of plants. Meristems are found in specific regions of the plant body, typically at the tips of roots and shoots, and in lateral cylinders.

There are two main types of meristems based on their location and function. Apical meristems are found at the apex, or tip, of roots and shoots, and are responsible for primary growth, which increases the length of the plant. This means they contribute to the development of roots that grow deeper into the soil and shoots that extend upwards. 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 girth or diameter of the plant. This is crucial for woody plants, allowing them to develop thicker trunks and branches.

Meristematic cells are characterized by their small size, thin cell walls, dense cytoplasm, and prominent nuclei. They lack vacuoles or have very small ones. The cells divide mitotically, producing new cells that can then differentiate into various specialized plant tissues like epidermis, parenchyma, xylem, and phloem. The continuous activity of meristems allows plants to adapt and grow throughout their life cycle.