Asian Journal of Plant Science & Research

Most plants continue to grow throughout their lives. Similar to other multicellular organisms, plants grow through a combination of cell growth and cell division. Cell growth increases cell size, while cell division (mitosis) increases the number of cells.  As plant cells grow, they also become specialized through cellular differentiation into different types of cells. If the cells are separated, they cannot divide anymore. Meristem is key to continuing the growth and repair of plant cells. Meristem is a type of plant tissue that consists of undifferentiated cells that can divide and differentiate even further.

Apical meristems are found at the apex, or tip, of roots and buds, allowing roots and stems to grow in length and leaves and flowers to differentiate. Roots and stems grow in length because the meristem adds tissue “behind” it, constantly propelling itself further into the ground (for roots) or air (for stems). Often, the apical meristem of a single branch will become dominant, suppressing the growth of meristems on other branches and leading to the development of a single trunk. In grasses, meristems at the base of the leaf blades allow for regrowth after grazing by herbivores—or mowing by lawnmowers.