Plants are incredibly complex organisms that possess different types of tissues to carry out various functions. One such type of tissue is known as meristem. Meristem is a sort of group of undifferentiated cells present in growing tips of stem, roots and developing leaves. It is responsible for the growth and development of the plant by providing the basic cells or stem cells. Meristem plays a crucial role in the differentiation of various tissues and organs in the plant.
Meristem has been classified into three types based on its location in the plant – apical meristem, lateral meristem, and intercalary meristem. The apical meristem is found at the apex or tip of the plant and is responsible for the elongation of the plant body. The lateral meristem is found in the lateral region of the plant and is responsible for the increase in girth or thickness of the plant. The intercalary meristem is found in the internodes of plants and is responsible for the elongation of the internodes.
The stem cells in meristem are undifferentiated, meaning they can develop into any kind of cell type essential for the plant. The differentiation of cells gives rise to different types of tissues such as the dermal tissue, ground tissue and vascular tissue. The dermal tissue covers and protects the plant. The ground tissue forms the bulk of the plant and performs various functions, such as photosynthesis, storage of food, and support. The vascular tissue helps transport water and nutrients throughout the plant body.
The activity and growth of the meristem is regulated by plant hormones such as auxins and cytokinins. Auxins promote cell division, while cytokinins promote cell differentiation and delay cell aging. The balance between the two hormones is crucial for the proper growth and development of the plant.
In conclusion, meristem is vital for the growth and development of plants and provides a constant supply of undifferentiated cells for the formation of new tissues and organs. Understanding the role that meristem plays in the growth of plants is essential for developing methods to improve crop yields and plant productivity.