Every aspect of a plant’s growth and development begins with meristem. Meristem is a group of cells found in the tips of stems, leaves, and roots, which are responsible for the continuous growth and development of the plant. Meristem cells, unlike other cells in the plant, are undifferentiated, meaning they have not yet taken on a specific role. In more technical terms, we refer to them as ‘totipotent’ cells which have the ability to develop into any type of cell required for proper plant growth and development.
Meristem is divided into two types – apical meristem and lateral meristem. Apical meristem is located at the tip of the shoot and the root, while lateral meristem, also known as cambium, is found on the sides of the plant. Apical meristem is responsible for the growth of the plant in height, while lateral meristem enables the plant to develop in width. This process of growth and development relies heavily on cell division, as the meristem continuously divides into new cells.
The activity of meristem is vital for the proper functioning of a plant. The growth of new leaves, roots, stems, and flowers, all rely on the meristem’s ability to divide and differentiate into specific cells. In addition, damaged or injured tissues can regenerate due to the presence of meristem cells that can replace the damaged tissues with new ones via cell division.
In conclusion, meristem is a crucial part of plant growth and development. Its ability to divide and differentiate into specialized cells is vital for the development of new tissues, organs, and the replacement of damaged tissues. Understanding the role of meristem is essential for those involved in the cultivation, breeding, and management of plants. As such, meristem has become a significant focus of research and study in the field of plant biology.