Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Difference between Apical Meristem and Lateral Meristem
Meristems are undifferentiated, embryonic tissues found in the tips of stems and roots of plants. They are responsible for the continuous growth and development of plants. Two primary types of meristem are apical meristem and lateral meristem. In this essay, we will explore the differences between apical and lateral meristem.
What is Apical Meristem?
The apical meristem is the growing tip of the stem or root. It is responsible for the primary growth of plants, including the growth in height, length, and branching of stems and roots. Apical meristem is found at the apex of the stem or root and is protected by the root cap or shoot apical meristem, respectively. The cells in the apical meristem are small, thin-walled, and actively dividing, producing new cells that differentiate into various tissues of the plant.
The apical meristem has three primary regions: the zone of cell division, the zone of elongation, and the zone of maturation. The zone of cell division is where the actively dividing cells are located, and it is responsible for the production of new cells. The zone of elongation is where the newly produced cells begin to elongate and grow in size. The zone of maturation is where the cells differentiate into various tissues, such as the epidermis, cortex, and vascular tissues.
The apical meristem is responsible for the primary growth of plants, which includes the growth of the stem and root in length. The stem grows in length due to the division and elongation of cells in the apical meristem. The root grows in length due to the division and elongation of cells in the root apical meristem. The apical meristem also produces lateral buds, which are responsible for the branching of the stem.
What is Lateral Meristem?
Lateral meristem is the meristem that is responsible for the secondary growth of plants. It is found in the cambium layer of the stem and root, which is the thin layer of actively dividing cells between the xylem and phloem tissues. The lateral meristem is responsible for the growth in width of the stem and root, which is known as secondary growth.
The lateral meristem has two primary regions: the vascular cambium and the cork cambium. The vascular cambium is responsible for the growth in width of the stem, producing new xylem and phloem tissues. The cork cambium is responsible for the growth in width of the bark, producing new cork cells.
The lateral meristem is responsible for the secondary growth of plants, which includes the growth in width of the stem and root. The stem grows in width due to the division and differentiation of cells in the vascular cambium, producing new xylem and phloem tissues. The root grows in width due to the division and differentiation of cells in the cork cambium, producing new cork cells.
Differences: Apical Meristem and Lateral Meristem
The primary difference between apical meristem and lateral meristem is their location and function. The apical meristem is located at the tips of the stem and root, and it is responsible for the primary growth of plants, including the growth in length and branching. The lateral meristem is located in the cambium layer of the stem and root, and it is responsible for the secondary growth of plants, including the growth in width.
Another difference between apical meristem and lateral meristem is the type of tissues they produce. The apical meristem produces various tissues of the plant, including the epidermis, cortex, and vascular tissues. The lateral meristem produces new xylem and phloem tissues in the stem and new cork cells in the bark.
The following table highlights the major differences between Apical Meristem and Lateral Meristem.
Characteristics |
Apical Meristem |
Lateral Meristem |
|---|---|---|
Location |
Found at the tips of roots and stems |
Found along the sides or periphery of stems and roots |
Growth Direction |
Promotes vertical or upward growth |
Promotes lateral or sideways growth |
Function |
Responsible for primary growth (lengthening) of plants |
Responsible for secondary growth (increase in girth) of plants |
Tissue Produced |
Produces primary tissues such as protoderm, ground meristem, and procambium |
Produces secondary tissues such as vascular cambium and cork cambium |
Types |
Includes apical meristem of root (root apical meristem) and apical meristem of shoot (shoot apical meristem) |
Includes vascular cambium (responsible for secondary xylem and phloem) and cork cambium (responsible for bark formation) |
Conclusion
It's important to note that both apical meristem and lateral meristem are types of plant meristems involved in plant growth. Apical meristem is located at the tips of roots and shoots and is responsible for primary growth, which involves lengthening of the plant. It produces primary tissues that contribute to the plant's overall length and development.
On the other hand, lateral meristem is found along the sides or periphery of stems and roots and is responsible for secondary growth, which involves an increase in the plant's girth. Lateral meristem produces secondary tissues that contribute to the thickening of the plant, such as vascular cambium for secondary xylem and phloem production and cork cambium for bark formation.
Understanding the differences between these two types of meristems helps explain the different growth patterns and tissue production in plants.
473 Views
