Meristematic Tissues:

These tissues are composed of cells, which can divide.

Properties of Meristematic tissues:

The cells of meristematic cells have the following properties:

1. They have thick cytoplasm, with a large nucleus in the center and with small or no vacuoles.
2. They are thin-walled.
3. They are alike and there are no intercellular spaces among them.

In-plant cell division occurs solely in meristematic regions.

Types of Meristematic Tissues:

Two main types of meristematic tissues are recognized in plants:

1. Apical Meristems:

Apical meristems are located at the apices or tips of roots and shoots. When they divide, they cause an increase in the length of the plant. Such growth is called primary growth.

1. Lateral Meristems:

Lateral meristems are located on the lateral sides of roots and shoots. By dividing they are responsible for the horizontal expansion of the parts of the plant. Such growth is called secondary growth.

Types of Lateral Meristems:

Lateral meristems are of further two types i.e. vascular cambium and cork cambium.

Vascular Cambium:

Vascular cambium is present between the xylem and phloem tissues. Its cell divides and forms new xylem tissue toward the center and a new phloem tissue toward the outside.

Cork Cambium:

Cork cambium is present on the outer lateral sides and its cells are responsible for making the characteristic cork layer.    

Intercalary meristem:

Intercalary meristem occurs in form of small patches of meristem present among the mature tissues. These are common in grasses and help in the regeneration of parts removes by herbivores etc.