What is the function of Meristematic Tissue?

Meristematic tissue helps plants grow. It is made up of special cells that can divide again and again to form new cells.

There are three types of meristematic tissues in plants: apical meristem, lateral meristem, and intercalary meristem.

• Apical meristem: Found at the tips of roots and shoots. It helps the plant grow taller or longer.
• Lateral meristem: Found on the sides of stems and roots. It helps the plant grow thicker or wider. An example is the cambium layer.
• Intercalary meristem: Found at the base of leaves or between nodes. It helps in regrowth and quick growth of grasses and some other plants.

The main function of meristematic tissue is cell division. These cells are very active and do not have vacuoles or thick cell walls. Because of this, they can quickly divide and form new tissues that later become different parts of the plant such as roots, leaves, and stems.