Question

Woody stem of a tree continues to increase in girth and height due to the activity of __.

Answer 1

Plant growth is unique because they retain the capacity for unlimited growth. They increase in girth and height due to the presence of meristems at certain locations in the body. Apical meristems found on the apical regions of the plant i.e. in the root and shoot apex are responsible for the growth and elongation of roots and the shoot apical meristems that are responsible for the growth of the stem. The lateral meristems are reponsible for increase in girth or thickness of the plant.They appear at a later stage and are responsible for secondary growth.