Define meristematic tissue. Why do meristematic cells lack vacuoles?
Meristematic tissues:- Meristematic tissues are cells or groups of cells that can divide. These tissues in a plant consist of small, densely packed cells that can keep dividing to form new cells.
The purpose of a vacuole is to store food and waste product. Since meristems are young cells and are actively dividing, they do not participate actively in food preparation. Also, they do not produce a large amount of waste. Hence, they lack vacuoles.