Describe the functions of - Meristem, Xylem, and phloem (AS 1)

MERISTEM:

MERISTEM: Meristematic tissues are the tissues present on the tip, sides and in between layers of other tissues. Depending on where the plant the meristem is, the meristem tissue can give rise to new leaves, flowers, or roots. The meristem is integral in plant growth—without it, plants would have no source for the production of new cells.

Apical meristem is found at the ends of roots (root apical meristem) or the tops of shoots (shoot apical meristem) of a plant responsible for the plant’s growth in length or height.

The shoot apical meristem found above ground, is composed of undifferentiated cells develop to become one of three primary meristems: the protoderm, ground meristem, or procambium. The protoderm will go on to form the epidermal tissues of the plant; the ground meristem will form the cortex and pith of the plant; and the procambium will become xylem and phloem, the vascular tissues of the plant.

The root apical meristem found below ground, is responsible for the growth and development of a plant’s roots. The root meristem produces cells in a bilateral direction, meaning that it yields two types of tissues at the same time.

Lateral meristem is responsible for lateral growth, or growth in diameter. This type of growth is known as secondary growth because it is growth around an already established stem.

Intercalary meristem or the basal meristem is located between mature, differentiated tissues. Although being relatively near an apical meristem and also composed of mostly undifferentiated cells, the intercalary meristem is distinctly different. It works independently of the apical meristem to promote the vertical growth of the plant. This allows leaves to continue growing despite being cut, in the way blades of grass continue to grow after being mowed.