pääkasvupiste

The pääkasvupiste, often translated as apical meristem, is a region of actively dividing cells found at the tips of shoots and roots in plants. This specialized tissue is responsible for primary growth, meaning the lengthening of stems and roots. Apical meristems are characterized by small, undifferentiated cells with thin cell walls and large nuclei. These cells undergo mitosis continuously, producing new cells that will eventually differentiate into various plant tissues such as epidermis, cortex, and vascular tissues.

In the shoot apical meristem, cell division leads to the formation of new leaves and flowers. It is protected by young leaves and the developing bud. The root apical meristem, on the other hand, is responsible for root elongation and is covered by a protective root cap, which shields the delicate meristematic cells as the root grows through the soil. The continuous activity of these meristems allows plants to grow taller and extend their root systems, facilitating nutrient and water absorption, as well as reaching for sunlight.