6.2.1 Meristematic Tissue

Description

Quick Overview

Meristematic tissue is the growth tissue in plants responsible for the development of new cells.

Standard

Meristematic tissues are specialized plant tissues that consist of actively dividing cells found in specific regions of a plant, classified as apical, lateral, and intercalary. These tissues are crucial for plant growth and development.

Detailed

Detailed Summary of Meristematic Tissue

Meristematic tissue is the region of actively dividing cells in plants, essential for growth and development. It is located in specific regions called meristems, which can be broadly classified into three types:

  1. Apical Meristem: Found at the growing tips of roots and stems, facilitating vertical growth.
  2. Lateral Meristem: Located along the sides of stems and roots, contributing to the increase in girth.
  3. Intercalary Meristem: Found near the nodes and bases of leaves, helping in growth between the nodes.

Cells of meristematic tissues are characterized by dense cytoplasm, thin walls, and prominent nuclei, indicating their active state. Initially, these cells are similar in structure to each other but differentiate into various types of permanent tissues as they mature. This differentiation is crucial for the development of specialized functions and contributes significantly to the structure and function of the plant.

Key Concepts

  • Meristematic Tissue: A tissue responsible for growth through active cell division.

  • Apical Meristem: The growing tip of the plant which enables growth in height.

  • Lateral Meristem: Tissue responsible for increasing the girth or thickness of the plant.

  • Intercalary Meristem: Tissue that allows growth between sections of the plant.

Memory Aids

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • In roots and tips, meristem grows, making plants tall, as everyone knows!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a tiny plant at the edge of a road, reaching higher and wider to embrace the sky, thanks to its hardworking meristematic tissue at its tips and sides.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember 'ALiG' for Apical, Lateral, Intercalary Growth!

🎯 Super Acronyms

MIG - Meristematic Induces Growth in plants.

Examples

  • The apical meristem found at the tips of roots allows for downward growth to access water.

  • Lateral meristems located in the stems help plants increase in thickness as they age.

Glossary of Terms

  • Term: Meristematic Tissue

    Definition:

    A group of undifferentiated plant cells capable of continuous division, leading to growth in plants.

  • Term: Apical Meristem

    Definition:

    Meristematic tissue found at the tips of roots and stems responsible for vertical growth.

  • Term: Lateral Meristem

    Definition:

    Meristematic tissue located along the sides of stems and roots that facilitates an increase in girth.

  • Term: Intercalary Meristem

    Definition:

    Meristematic tissue situated near the nodes that allows for growth between the nodes.