nonmeristematic

Nonmeristematic refers to plant cells and tissues that are not part of the meristem and have largely completed differentiation. These cells typically have limited capacity for division and form permanent tissues that carry out specialized functions in mature organs.

Nonmeristematic tissues arise from meristematic tissue as development proceeds; common examples include the simple tissues parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma, and the complex tissues xylem and phloem, once they have matured. Parenchyma is generally living with thin primary walls; collenchyma is living with unevenly thickened walls; sclerenchyma is usually dead at maturity with thick lignified walls.

Functions include storage, photosynthesis, and wound repair (parenchyma); flexible support (collenchyma); rigid support (sclerenchyma); and conduction or transport in vascular tissues, with xylem transferring water and minerals and phloem distributing sugars and organic nutrients.

Some nonmeristematic cells can dedifferentiate and re-enter the cell cycle during wound healing or in tissue culture, showing plasticity despite being classified as nonmeristematic under normal conditions. This contrasts with true meristematic tissues that retain persistent ability to divide.

In plant anatomy, nonmeristematic contrasts with meristematic tissue and forms the bulk of mature organs, enabling storage, protection, support, and transport.