meristem

/'meristəm/
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meristem

The student observes the meristem under a microscope.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Undifferentiated plant tissue: A type of plant tissue composed of cells that are not yet specialized and are capable of continuous cell division, leading to growth and the formation of new plant structures.
    • Region of active cell division: Specifically refers to areas in a plant, such as the tips of roots and shoots, where this growth and cell production occur.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The apical meristem at the shoot tip is responsible for the plant's upward growth.
    • Scientists study the root meristem to understand how plants develop their underground systems.
    • Damage to the meristem can severely stunt a plant's growth.
Advanced Usage
  • "Apical meristem": The meristem located at the tips of roots and shoots, responsible for primary growth (lengthening).
    • The apical meristem produces cells that become leaves, stems, and flowers.
  • "Lateral meristem": The meristem found in the cambium layer, responsible for secondary growth (thickening).
    • The lateral meristem, or vascular cambium, increases the girth of tree trunks.
  • "Intercalary meristem": Meristematic tissue located at the bases of leaves or internodes, often found in grasses.
    • The intercalary meristem allows grass to regrow quickly after being mowed.
Variants and Related Words
  • Meristematic (adj): Relating to or consisting of meristem.
    • The meristematic cells are small and have large nuclei.
  • Meristemoid (n): A cell or a small group of cells within a meristem that is the initial site of a specific developmental pathway.
    • A meristemoid may give rise to a stomatal guard cell.
Synonyms
  • Growth tissue: A general term for tissue where growth occurs.
  • Cambium (specifically for lateral meristem): A layer of actively dividing cells between the xylem and phloem.
Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)
  • Cell division: The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells, fundamental to meristem function.
  • Differentiation: The process by which meristematic cells become specialized into various plant tissues.
meristem

The student observes the meristem under a microscope.

Noun
  1. undifferentiated tissue from which new cells are formed, as at the tip of a stem or root