Biology: Meristematic Tissue and Cell Differentiation

Study Notes

Meristematic cells are undifferentiated, meaning they have not yet developed into specialized cells
These cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, such as parenchyma, collenchyma, or sclerenchyma
Cell differentiation occurs in response to environmental cues, hormones, and genetic signals

Located at the tips of shoots and roots, responsible for primary growth
Consists of a group of actively dividing cells that produce new tissues
Apical meristem is divided into three zones:
1. Promeristem: innermost zone, where cells are most meristematic
2. Protoderm: middle zone, where cells differentiate into epidermal cells
3. Ground meristem: outermost zone, where cells differentiate into ground tissue

Results from the activity of the apical meristem
Characterized by an increase in length, producing new tissues and organs
Primary growth occurs in two directions:
- Elongation: growth in length, resulting in stem and root elongation
- Differentiation: growth in width, resulting in the formation of new tissues and organs

Found in the vascular and cork cambia of stems and roots
Responsible for secondary growth, increasing the girth of the plant
Lateral meristem produces new tissues, such as xylem and phloem, which add to the diameter of the plant
Secondary growth occurs in two directions:
- Radial growth: growth in width, resulting in the formation of new tissues and organs
- Tangential growth: growth in circumference, resulting in the formation of new tissues and organs

Undifferentiated cells with the ability to differentiate into various cell types (parenchyma, collenchyma, or sclerenchyma) in response to environmental cues, hormones, and genetic signals
Characterized by the ability to divide and give rise to different cell types

Located at the tips of shoots and roots, responsible for primary growth
Consists of a group of actively dividing cells that produce new tissues
Divided into three zones:
- Promeristem (innermost zone): where cells are most meristematic
- Protoderm (middle zone): where cells differentiate into epidermal cells
- Ground meristem (outermost zone): where cells differentiate into ground tissue

Results from the activity of the apical meristem
Characterized by an increase in length, producing new tissues and organs
Occurs in two directions:
- Elongation: growth in length, resulting in stem and root elongation
- Differentiation: growth in width, resulting in the formation of new tissues and organs

Found in the vascular and cork cambia of stems and roots
Responsible for secondary growth, increasing the girth of the plant
Produces new tissues, such as xylem and phloem, which add to the diameter of the plant
Secondary growth occurs in two directions:
- Radial growth: growth in width, resulting in the formation of new tissues and organs
- Tangential growth: growth in circumference, resulting in the formation of new tissues and organs

Meristematic cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to differentiate into various cell types.
These cells are found in meristematic tissues, which are responsible for plant growth and development.
Meristematic cells have the ability to divide and produce new cells.

Primary growth is a type of growth that occurs in the apical meristem, resulting in an increase in plant length.
This type of growth is characterized by the formation of new tissues and organs.
Primary growth is responsible for the formation of leaves, stems, and roots.

The apical meristem is located at the tips of stems and roots.
It is responsible for primary growth and the formation of new tissues and organs.
The apical meristem consists of a group of undifferentiated cells that divide and differentiate into new tissues.

The lateral meristem is located in the vascular and cork cambium of stems and roots.
It is responsible for secondary growth, which increases the diameter of stems and roots.
The lateral meristem consists of a group of undifferentiated cells that divide and differentiate into new tissues.

Cell differentiation is the process by which meristematic cells become specialized into specific cell types.
This process involves changes in cell structure, function, and gene expression.
Cell differentiation results in the formation of different tissues and organs in the plant.

The intercalary meristem is a type of meristematic tissue found in the internodes of stems.
It is responsible for the growth and elongation of stems.
The intercalary meristem consists of a group of undifferentiated cells that divide and differentiate into new tissues.