Meristem meaning

Meristem is a type of plant tissue responsible for growth and development.


Meristem definitions

Word backwards metsirem
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division mer-is-tem
Plural The plural of the word "meristem" is "meristems."
Total letters 8
Vogais (2) e,i
Consonants (4) m,r,s,t

What is Meristem?

Meristem is a type of plant tissue found in the growing regions of plants, where cells continuously divide and differentiate to allow the plant to grow. It is responsible for primary growth in plants, such as increasing the length of roots and stems.

Types of Meristem

There are two main types of meristem: apical meristem and lateral meristem. Apical meristem is found at the tips of roots and stems and is responsible for the lengthening of these structures. Lateral meristem, on the other hand, is found in the vascular and cork cambium of plants and is responsible for the growth in diameter of plant structures.

Functions of Meristem

Meristem plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. Not only does it allow for the primary growth of plants, but it also enables plants to heal wounds, regenerate tissues, and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Without meristem, plants would not be able to grow or repair themselves.

Meristem and Plant Propagation

Meristem is also essential for plant propagation. Through a process called meristem culture, plant tissues from the meristematic regions are cultured in a laboratory to produce identical clones of the parent plant. This is commonly used in agriculture to propagate plants with desirable traits.

Significance of Meristem

The presence of meristem in plants is crucial for their survival and ability to grow, reproduce, and adapt. Its continuous division and differentiation allow for the formation of new tissues, organs, and structures, ensuring the plant's growth and development.


Meristem Examples

  1. The meristem at the tip of the root allows for continuous growth.
  2. Scientists study the meristem to understand plant development better.
  3. Meristem cells divide rapidly to produce new cells for growth.
  4. In tissue culture, meristem culture is used for plant propagation.
  5. Meristem cells differentiate into various plant tissues.
  6. The apical meristem is responsible for primary growth in plants.
  7. Meristem activation is influenced by environmental factors.
  8. Genetic mutations can affect the function of the meristem.
  9. Meristem cells undergo dedifferentiation to form callus tissue.
  10. The meristem plays a crucial role in shaping plant architecture.


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  • Updated 01/05/2024 - 21:46:11