Question

State the location and functions of different types of meristems.

Answer 1

On the basis of location, meristems are of three types, apical, intercalary and lateral.
(i) Apical: It is present at the apices of stem, root and their branches.
Functions: It helps in growth in length and formation of primary tissues.
(ii) Intercalary: It is found above or below stem nodes and leaf bases.
Functions: It helps in growth of internodes, growth in leaves and correction of position in lodged stems.
(iii) Lateral:

(a) Phellogen (Cork cambium): It develops from hypodermis in stems and pericycle in roots. Function: Formation of protective cork (phellem) and aerating lenticles on the outside and secondary cortex (phelloderm) on the inner side.

(b) Vascular Cambium: In stem it is formed from intra-fascicular cambial strips and interfascicular strips. In root it develops from conjuctive parenchyma and pericycle. Function: Formation of secondary phloem on the outer side and secondary xylem on the inner side. Vascular rays are formed at intervals for radial conduction.