meristematic tissues

• Dividing tissues


  Meristematic tissues
• Meristematic


  Comes from the Greek word 'meristos' meaning 'divided'
• Meristematic tissues


  • Main function is to divide and help the plant grow
  • Found at all the places where the plant's parts show growth
• Types of meristematic tissues

  • Apical meristem
  • Lateral meristem
  • Intercalary meristem
• Apical meristem


  Found in the growing tips of the stems and roots, divides to increase the length of the plant
• Lateral meristem


  Found in the sides of the plant, divides to increase the girth of the plant (also known as the cambium)
• Intercalary meristem


  Found at the base of leaves or internodes, facilitates the growth of twigs into branches
• Meristematic tissues


  • Cells are filled with cytoplasm, require a lot of energy and nutrition
  • Initially not differentiated into specific types, division of labour takes place only after maturity
  • Exhibit the same function of 'simple growth' of the plant until maturity