Question

What are meristematic tissues? Explain with the help of suitable diagram. Give their classification on the basis of their position in the plant body.

Answer 1

Meristematic tissues are formed by cells which show continuous division. These tissues are responsible for increasing the length as well as the birth of a plant.

Figure. 1. Different types of meristematic tissues.

Meristematic tissues are categorized into three types on the basis of their position in the plant. These are as follows:

(i) Apical meristem: These meristematic tissues are present at the growing tips of roots and stems, which constitute the shoot apex. These tissues are also present in the apical regions of the leaves.

(ii) Intercalary meristems: These meristematic tissues are found at the bases of leaves or internodes. In many cases, these tissues can also be found below the nodes.

(iii) Lateral meristems: These tissues are present below the cork cambium and can also be found in vascular cambium as well as vascular bundles of dicot roots.