Question

What are meristematic tissues? Explain its types.

Answer 1

Meristematic tissue:

1. Meristematic tissue is made up of a group of cells that divide continuously to form new cells.
2. This tissue is found in the growing regions of plants such as the tips of roots, stems, and branches.
3. The function of meristematic tissue is to make plants grow.
4. The cells of meristematic tissue are small and cubical. They also have thin cell walls. They are tightly packed with no intercellular spaces.
5. The cytoplasm of these cells is really dense.

On the basis of position in plants, meristematic tissues are mainly divided into three.

1. Apical meristem: Apical meristem is located at the apex or tips of roots and stems. These cells are responsible for the increase in length of the plant.
2. Intercalary meristems: These tissues are located at the base of nodes where leaves are attached and the region of internodes where cell division occurs for a longer time. They are responsible for stem elongation or longitudinal growth.
3. Lateral meristem: This tissue is found along the lateral sides of stems and roots. They help in increasing circumference.