Apical Meristem
Located at root and shoot apices, responsible for increase in plant length (primary growth).
What is Apical Meristem?
Plant tissue composed of actively dividing cells responsible for growth.
Key points
- Identify the location of apical meristems in plants.
- Explain the role of apical meristems in primary growth.
- Differentiate apical meristems from other meristematic tissues.
- Understand the contribution of apical meristems to organogenesis.
Common exam trap
Confusing apical meristems with lateral meristems (responsible for secondary growth).
Definitions
- Term
Meristematic Tissue
- Meaning
Plant tissue composed of actively dividing cells responsible for growth.
- Term
Primary Growth
- Meaning
The increase in length of plant organs (roots and shoots) due to the activity of apical meristems.
- Term
Apex
- Meaning
The tip or summit of an organ or structure.
Learning objectives
Identify the location of apical meristems in plants.
Explain the role of apical meristems in primary growth.
Differentiate apical meristems from other meristematic tissues.
Understand the contribution of apical meristems to organogenesis.
Prerequisites
Basic plant cell structure.
Concept of plant tissues.
Understanding of plant growth.
Common mistakes
Confusing apical meristems with lateral meristems (responsible for secondary growth).
Not understanding that apical meristems are responsible for *length* increase, not *girth* increase.
Forgetting that they are present in both roots and shoots.
Keywords
Apical Meristem
Primary Growth
Root Apex
Shoot Apex
Plant Growth
Cell Division
Meristematic Tissue
Practice preview
The increase in length of a plant is primarily due to the activity of:…
easy
The primary meristems, such as the apical meristem, are responsible for:…
medium
Which of the following statements about apical meristems is INCORRECT?…
medium