- Meristematic tissue refers to a collection of undifferentiated cells capable of continuous cell division .
- These cells are totipotent, meaning they can continue to divide until they finally differentiate and are no longer capable of division.
- Meristematic cells can contribute to the formation of new plant organs and assist in establishing the plant's basic structure.
- There are three types of meristematic tissue: apical meristem (located at the tips), intercalary meristem (situated in the middle), and lateral meristems (situated at the sides).
- Cork cambium and pericycle are examples of lateral meristems in plants.
- Lateral meristems are typically found in gymnosperms and dicot plants, contributing to secondary growth. However, they are not present in monocots, which do not exhibit secondary growth.
- The meristematic cells are compact in size and densely packed, with no gaps between them.
- These cells are characterized by small or absent vacuoles and are filled with protoplasm.
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