Question

Define meristematic tissues.

Answer 1

Meristematic tissues

1. A group of cells which carry out the process of cell division to increase their number .
2. Cell division is needed for the growth and maintenance of the tissues.

Characteristics

1. Cells of these tissues have constantly dividing living cells.
2. Their function is to divide and form cells for the growth and maintenance of plant tissues.
3. Their cell has primary cell walls which are inelastic and cellulosic.
4. The shape of the cells is either round, oval, polygonal, or rectangular.
5. The meristematic cells do not have intercellular spaces, since the cells are tightly packed.
6. Each meristematic cell possesses dense cytoplasm with a large nucleus.
7. Vacuoles are small in size and are scattered throughout the cytoplasm.
8. In some cases, vacuoles are completely absent.
9. The cell wall of meristematic cells is thin, elastic, and made up of cellulose.