What is the function of meristem tissue in plants?

Meristem tissue in plants plays a critical role in growth and development due to its composition of undifferentiated cells that have the ability to divide. These cells are capable of continuing to divide throughout the life of the plant, allowing for the formation of new tissues and organs. This is particularly important for the growth of roots, stems, and leaves.

Meristems can be found in specific regions of the plant, such as the tips of roots and shoots (apical meristems) or in lateral stems (lateral meristems), facilitating not only vertical growth but also the thickening of stems and roots. The undifferentiated nature of these cells means they can develop into various types of specialized cells as the plant matures, enabling the plant to adapt to different environments and conditions.

The other functions mentioned—providing protective layers, synthesizing organic molecules, and transporting water and nutrients—are all carried out by different tissues in the plant and are not the primary role of meristem tissue. Protective layers are typically associated with dermal tissue, organic molecules are synthesized by parenchyma cells in ground tissue, and water and nutrient transport occurs in vascular tissues. Thus, meristematic tissue is uniquely defined by its ability to