Plant Growth and Plant Tissues: Meristematic Cells, Tissues, and Plant Basics

Apuntes

--- Name: Class: • Subtopic: Meristematic Tissues Meristem is a zone of continuously dividing cells. It is involved in longitudinal and lateral growth. Meristematic tissues are plant tissues made up of young, living cells that divide continuously to produce new cells. These tissues are found in growing regions of the plant, help plants increase in length and thickness, and give rise to other tissues, such as permanent tissues. • Subtopic: Characteristics of Meristematic Cells Meristematic cells have special features that allow them to divide rapidly: - Cells are small and compact. - They have thin cell walls. - A large nucleus is present. - There are no intercellular spaces. - The cytoplasm is dense. - Vacuoles are absent or very small. - Cells are living and undifferentiated. Meristematic tissues are categorized in different ways: 1. According to their locations: - **Apical Meristem** Location: Tips of roots and stems Function: Increases the length of the plant Responsible for primary growth 📌 Example: Growth of a young root or shoot - **Intercalary Meristem** Location: At the base of leaves or internodes (common in grasses) Function: Helps in regrowth after cutting or grazing 📌...