Table of Contents
Secondary Growth in Plants Definition;
The growth of a plant after its initial germination and establishment is called secondary growth. This growth is mainly due to the activity of the cambium, a layer of actively dividing cells located just under the bark. The cambium produces new cells on the inside of the bark and pushes the old cells outward, resulting in the growth of new wood and bark.
Structure of Vascular Cambium
The vascular cambium is a layer of actively dividing cells between the bark and the wood of a tree. It is responsible for the growth of new xylem cells in the tree. The xylem cells are responsible for the conduction of water and minerals from the roots to the leaves. The cambium is a thin layer of cells, but it can grow quite rapidly, adding new cells to the tree every year.
Vascular Cambium Function
The vascular cambium is a layer of actively dividing cells located between the bark and the wood of a tree. These cells produce new xylem and phloem tissue, which are responsible for the transport of water and nutrients throughout the tree. The cambium also thickens the tree trunk and branches, increasing their strength and stability.
What is Cork Cambium?
Cork cambium is the thin layer of actively dividing cells just beneath the bark of a tree. This layer is responsible for the growth of new cork cells, which replace the old, dead cells on the surface of the bark. The cork cambium is also responsible for the production of cork tannins, which give cork its characteristic tough, waterproof texture.
Secondary Growth in Stem
The stem is the main conduit of water and nutrients from the roots to the leaves and flowers. The stem grows in diameter as the plant increases in size. This growth is called secondary growth. The cells in the stem are arranged in concentric circles. The innermost layer of cells is the meristem. This layer contains actively dividing cells that are responsible for the growth of the stem. The next layer is the cortex. This layer contains cells that are elongating and dividing. The outer layer is the epidermis. This layer contains cells that are flattened and have a waxy coating to prevent water loss.
Secondary Growth in Roots
The root system is responsible for anchoring the plant in the soil, absorbing water and minerals from the soil, and transporting these nutrients to the rest of the plant. The root system also stores food for the plant. The root system undergoes two types of growth: primary growth and secondary growth.
Primary growth is the growth of the root system during the early stages of the plant’s life. This growth is due to the division of the cells at the tips of the roots. The cells at the tip of the root divide and elongate, creating new tissue. This new tissue pushes the old tissue further down the root, and the root grows longer.
Secondary growth is the growth of the root system after the plant has matured. This growth is due to the expansion of the cells in the tissue of the root. The cells in the tissue of the root expand and divide, creating new tissue. This new tissue pushes the old tissue further down the root, and the root grows thicker.
Abnormal Secondary Growth
Abnormal secondary growth is a condition in which the tissue growth in an organ or tissue is not normal. This can include an increase or decrease in the size of the organ or tissue, as well as changes in the shape or structure of the organ or tissue. Abnormal secondary growth can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic disorders, infections, tumors, and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. Treatment for abnormal secondary growth depends on the underlying cause.
