It explains the functions and properties of the meristematic cells their cell composition without going into ultrastructure details of cells of meristem

1. CYTOHISTOLOGICAL
CHARACTERS OF
MERISTEMATIC TISSUE
By: RabBIA SEHAR

2. What is meristem?
• Word “meristem” is coined by Nageli(1858)
• Simply we can say that the cells having the ability to
divide and re-divide
• The group of immature, undifferentiated cells
that has capacity to divide and form new cells
• Meristemsin plants are found in apex of stem, root, leaf
primordia, vascular cambium, cork cambium, etc

3. fig: Root apical meristem

6. PROPERTIES OF MERISTEM
• Self –renewing cells
It means that each cell of meristem when divides
into two daughter cells
1. one will be the meristematic cell and
2. 2the other head off to become a programmed
or specialized mature cell.

7. Absence of intercellular spaces
Intercellular spaces are absent because of
rapid divions. Metabolism rate is high enough
to resist any attack of pathogen.
That’s why meristem cells are used for cloning
and vegetative propagation.

8. CELLS are living.
• All cells are living. Only meristematic tissues
are completely made up of living cells while
other tissues may constitute both living and
dead cells for example bark of wood.

9. Cell structure
• Thin cell walls are present.
• Small or no vacuole.
• Large prominent nucleus.
• Cells are oval rounded or polygonal in shape.
• Isodiametric in nature.

10. • Cells have thick cytoplasm.
• Endoplasmic reticulum and plastids are absent.
• Devoid of reserved food material.

11. Diploid cells
• Meristematic cells are diploid cells and perform
mitosis.
• As a result of which new cells are continuously
adding.
• Hence credited as the most actively dividing
tissues of the plant.

12. Cell division
• They are responsible for primary (elongation)
and secondary (thickness) growth of the
plant.
• All new organs and their growth occur by the
division of meristematic tissue.

13. Growth
• Secondary tissues such as, wood, cork are
also formed due to activity of meristematic
tissue.