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Meristem is a term used in botany to describe a region in the plant where active cell division occurs. This division leads to the growth of the plant in length. Meristems are found in various parts of the plant, including the shoot apex, root apex, and the vascular cambium. The cells within a meristem are undifferentiated and have the potential to develop into different types of cells, such as those found in the epidermis, cortex, or vascular tissues.

The shoot apex, also known as the shoot tip, is a meristem located at the growing tip of the shoot. It is responsible for the primary growth of the shoot, which includes the elongation of the stem and the formation of leaves and buds. The root apex, on the other hand, is a meristem located at the tip of the root. It is responsible for the primary growth of the root, which includes the elongation of the root and the formation of root hairs.

The vascular cambium is a type of lateral meristem found in the vascular tissue of the plant. It is responsible for the secondary growth of the plant, which includes the thickening of the stem and the formation of secondary xylem and phloem. The cells within the vascular cambium are arranged in a ring-like structure, with the outer cells dividing to form new xylem and the inner cells dividing to form new phloem.

Meristems play a crucial role in the growth and development of plants. They are responsible for the primary and secondary growth of the plant, which allows it to increase in size and adapt to its environment. The study of meristems is an important area of research in botany, as it provides insights into the mechanisms of plant growth and development.