Question

What would happen if the meristem ceases to divide? Does this ever happen?

Answer 1

Part 1: Meristematic tissues
Meristematic tissues are the tissues which have the ability to divide. Plants have broadly two types of primary meristems: Root apical meristem: Root formation Shoot apical meristem: Shoot formation Some plants also have lateral meristem which drive the secondary growth.

Part 2: Cessation of meristematic division
If root and shoot apical meristems stop dividing, the primary growth of roots and shoots will get hampered. The seed after germination wouldn't grow into seedling and further. Non-functional lateral meristem would lead to absence of secondary growth in the plant.

Part 3: Stoppage of meristematic activity
Meristematic tissues, after primary growth, lose their ability of division when they get differentiated and specialised to perform a particular function. Such specialised tissues are termed as permanent tissues.