What distinguishes meristematic tissues from other types of plant tissues?

Meristematic tissues are the undifferentiated, actively dividing cells that are responsible for the growth and development of plants. These tissues are unique because they are composed of living cells with different shapes and sizes, all of which have the ability to divide and differentiate into specialized cell types.

Meristematic tissues are located in the apical meristems at the tips of roots and shoots, as well as in the lateral meristems that run parallel to the length of stems and roots. The apical meristems are responsible for the primary growth of the plant, including the elongation of roots and shoots, while the lateral meristems are responsible for the secondary growth of the plant, including the thickening of stems and roots.