Tissues

Types of Tissues
 Meristematic Tissue (Meristem)
• Meristematic tissues have the power to divide to form new cells.
• They increase the length and girth of the plant and are found in the growing parts
of the plants.
• New cells that are produced by the meristem are similar to the meristem, but as
they grow their characteristics change and they differentiate.

• Characteristics:- cells are active and have dense cytoplasm, thin cellulose walls,
prominent nuclei and lack vacuoles as vacuoles provide rigidity to cells and
prevent quick cell division.
 Types Location Function

1) Apical Meristem Growing tips of shoot(shoot apex Increases length(height) of the

meristem) and root(root apex plant – Primary Growth
meristem)

2) Intercalary At base of leaves or internode Increases in length of organ like

leaves and internode

Meristem
3) Lateral Meristem On sides of stem and roots. Increases the diameter and girth –
2 Types:- Secondary Growth
1. Cork Cambium
(found beneath bark)
2. Vascular Cambium
(found in vascular bundles)
 MCQ’S
• Meristematic tissues are ___________.
• A) Premature and having the ability to divide.
• B) Mature and does not have the ability to divide.
• C) Premature and not having the ability of division.

Correct Ans:- A) Premature and having the ability to divide.

 • Meristematic tissues in plants_________.
• A) Have intercellular spaces between them.
• B) Have their walls made of cellulose.
• C) Have their walls made of chitin.

Correct Ans:- B) Have their walls made of cellulose.

 Question and Answers
• 1. Why are there no vacuoles in the intercalary meristem ?
• Answer:-
• Vacuoles are responsible for the storage of food in the water. The intercalary tissues do not
store them. They are rather responsible for manufacturing them. Vacuoles provide rigidity
to plant and prevent quick cell division, that’s why intercalary tissues do not have vacuoles.
• 2. What will happen if the apical meristem is damaged or cut ?
• Answer:-
• The growth of plant in length will stop.