Chapter 34, Problem 17STP

Summary Introduction

To write:

The comparison and contrast of apical meristems and lateral meristems in plants.

Introduction:

Meristematic tissues are meristems. Meristems are regions of rapidly dividing cells. Meristem cells have small vacuoles or in some cases no vacuoles at all and a large nucleus. When these cells mature, they can grow into several various types of plant cells. Meristematic tissues are found in various areas of the plant.

Explanation of Solution

Meristematic tissues are located in different regions of a plant. Meristematic tissues are of different types- Apical meristems, intercalary meristems, and lateral meristems. The comparison between apical meristem and lateral meristem in plants are given below.

Apical meristem	Lateral meristem
It produces primary tissues.	It produces secondary tissues.
It occurs at the tips of roots and shoots.	It is found in the mature regions of the stems and roots.
It is necessary for the development of young leaves and roots and stems elongation.	It is responsible for producing a woody axis and for the thickness of the plant.

Conclusion

Thus, the apical meristem and lateral meristems can be differentiated based on their function, occurrence, and production.