Question

Write the main characteristics of a meristematic tissue.

Answer 1

The cells of the meristematic tis­sues are quite distinct in their cytologi­cal and physiological characteristics from other cells. The following are the characteristics of the meristematic cells.

1. Cells have the power of active division.
2. They are compactly arranged in tissue and there is absolutely no intercellular space.
3. The cell wall is thin and primary in nature, containing only cellu­lose. It is uniformly thick. There is no secondary thickening.
4. Cells possess dense protoplasm with a prominent large nucleus compared4. to other cells of equal volume.
5. Vacuoles are small or absent to­tally.
6. Cells do not possess ergastic sub­stances.
7. Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are very little differen­tiated.
8. Plastids, when present, are in protoplastid stage.
9. Cells contain relatively more number of ribosomes.
10. Cells are metabolically very ac­tive.