What is the basic principle on which plant tissues are categorised as meristematic and permanent tissues?
Ability to divide.
Cells of meristematic tissue differentiate to form different types of permanent tissues. They divide rapidly and continuously as a result of which the plant gains height and increases in width. The new cells formed by the division of meristematic tissues elongate and on maturity get differentiated to perform specific functions. These cells do not divide further. Hence, they are called permanent tissues.