Meristematic tissue is a type of plant tissue responsible for the growth and development of plants. It consists of actively dividing cells and is typically found in regions of the plant where growth occurs.
Location:
Meristematic tissue is located at the growing tips of stems, roots, and in the cambium layer of woody plants. It is also found in other regions where growth and repair take place.
Types: There are three main types of meristematic tissue:
| Apical Meristem | Lateral Meristem (Cambium) | Intercalary meristem |
| Located at the tips of roots and shoots, apical meristems are responsible for primary growth, which leads to an increase in the length of the plant. | Cambium is found in the vascular tissue of stems and roots and is responsible for secondary growth, which results in an increase in the girth or thickness of the plant. | Intercalary meristem is a specific type of meristematic tissue found in certain plants, primarily grasses and related species. Unlike the traditional meristems located at the tips of roots and shoots, the intercalary meristem is positioned at specific locations within the plant, notably at the base of leaves and stems, usually between nodes (the areas from which leaves and branches grow). |
Differentiation:
As cells divide in the meristematic tissue, some of them become specialized and develop into various types of plant cells, such as xylem, phloem, and various tissue types found in leaves and stems.
Importance:
Meristematic tissue is crucial for the plant’s ability to grow, adapt to the environment, and repair damaged areas. It allows the plant to continually produce new cells for primary and secondary growth.
Growth Zones:
The growth zones in the meristematic tissue are regions of high cell division and activity. The tips of roots and shoots, for example, are primary growth zones.
Response to Environmental Stimuli:
Meristematic tissue can respond to environmental stimuli and adjust the rate of cell division and growth in response to factors such as light, gravity, and other environmental conditions.