Meristematic tissue

Definition

Meristematic tissue consists of undifferentiated cells in plants that are capable of continuous division and growth. This tissue is responsible for the formation of new cells and tissues, enabling plants to grow in length and girth, and is crucial for vegetative growth and organogenesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Meristematic tissue can be classified into three types: apical, lateral, and intercalary, each serving specific growth functions.
2. These tissues are characterized by small, densely packed cells with thin walls and large nuclei, which facilitate rapid cell division.
3. Meristematic tissue plays a key role in the formation of new leaves, flowers, and roots during vegetative growth.
4. The activity of meristematic tissue is influenced by environmental factors such as light, temperature, and water availability.
5. The differentiation process from meristematic tissue to mature tissues allows for the development of specialized functions necessary for plant survival.

Review Questions

• How does meristematic tissue contribute to the overall growth and development of plants?
  • Meristematic tissue is essential for plant growth because it contains undifferentiated cells that continuously divide to form new cells. This allows for both primary growth at the tips of roots and shoots through apical meristems and secondary growth through lateral meristems, increasing plant size and enabling the development of various structures. Without this tissue, plants would not be able to grow or adapt to their environment effectively.
• Discuss the differences between apical meristem and lateral meristem in terms of their roles in plant growth.
  • Apical meristem is located at the tips of roots and shoots, primarily responsible for primary growth, which increases the length of the plant. In contrast, lateral meristem is found along the sides of stems and roots, facilitating secondary growth that increases the thickness or girth of the plant. Together, these two types of meristematic tissue work in harmony to ensure that plants grow both taller and thicker as they mature.
• Evaluate how environmental factors can impact the activity of meristematic tissue and subsequent plant development.
  • Environmental factors like light, temperature, and water availability significantly influence the activity of meristematic tissue. For example, adequate light stimulates cell division in apical meristems, promoting upward growth. Conversely, water stress may limit cell division or differentiation, leading to stunted growth or poor development of plant structures. Understanding these interactions helps explain how plants adapt to changing environments while maintaining their growth processes.

Related terms

Apical Meristem: A type of meristematic tissue located at the tips of roots and shoots, responsible for primary growth and lengthening of the plant.

Lateral Meristem: Meristematic tissue found along the sides of stems and roots, contributing to secondary growth, which increases the thickness of the plant.

Differentiation: The process by which meristematic cells develop into specialized cell types, forming various tissues and organs in the plant.