Classification of Meristem

This article we will discuss about classification of meristem

• Meristematic tissue are rapidly dividing cells found in growing portions of the plant and they give rise various plant organs
• Cells are immature and young
• Meristematic tissue is commonly called as meristems
• Meristems are classified according three criterions

Meristematic tissue on the basis of origin

Promeristem

• Originates from the embryo
• The earliest and youngest meristematic tissue
• It is present in embryonic stage
• It give rises to primary meristem

Primary Meristem

• Originates from promeristem
• It is formed early in life & help for plant primary growth
• It give rises to primary permanent tissue
• Found in root, shoot intercalary parts and intrafascicular cambium

Secondary Meristem

• Originates from primary permanent tissue
• It gives secondary permanent tissue during secondary growth
• E.g. Cork cambium & interfascicular cambium

Meristematic tissue on the basis of position

Apical Meristem

• Position: It is present in shoot and root apex
• It helps in increase in height of plants
• Lower plants usually have single apical cells
• In higher plants, apical meristem composed of group of cells
• E.g. Root apex & shoot apex

Intercalary Meristem

• Position: present between permanent tissue regions in the plant
• It is a part of apical meristem and adds to the height of the plant
• Commonly present in monocots, grass and pines

Lateral Meristem

• Position: present on lateral side of stem and root
• It helps in increases the thickness of plants
• E.g. Vascular cambium, cork cambium

Meristematic tissue on the basis of function

Protoderm

Function: protection from mechanical injury
It is the outermost plant tissue and forms the epidermis

Procambium

Function: transport of water and nutrition
It gives rise to vascular tissue (xylem and phloem)
It is the innermost meristematic tissue

Ground meristem

Function: various functions
It forms the cortex, pericycle and pith

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