Characteristics of meristematic tissues

MERISTEMATIC TISSUE

It comprises of group of similar and immature cells. the main characteristics are:

1. cells are small and thin walled.
2. cells are closely packed together without intercellular spaces.
3. cells may be round, oval or polygonal.
4. vacuoles are absent or very small.
5. cells have dense cytoplasm.
6. Cells keep on dividing and produce new cells.

Functions of different types of meristematic tissue:

1. APICAL : elongation of roots and stems.
2. INTERCALARY: elongation of an organ
3. LATERAL: increasing diameter and girth of plant.