Simple Tissues - Meristematic Tissue
Simple Tissues - Meristematic Tissue
We have explored the organization of Apical Meristems. While the meristematic tissue which comprises apical meristems is complex, we can cite some generalized features that are present in Meristematic Cells. We will illustrate these traits in detail with a Root Apical Meristem but cells in the Shoot Apical Meristem would be similar.
The general features of Meristematic Cells are
Isodiametric Shape |
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Thin Primary Cell Wall |
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Dense Cytoplasm with few tiny Vacuoles |
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| Proplastids present | |
Relatively Large Nucleus |
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Frequent Cell Divisions |
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| Shoot Apical Meristem of an Orchid. Meristematic Cells stain densely because they are rich in cytoplasm and have a relatively large Nucleus. | Shoot Apical Meristem of Coleus. |
| Root Tip of a Gymnosperm. In this case the densely cytoplasmic cells have stained Blue. The Meristem is very broad in this plant and it is roughly circumscribed by the Yellow Rectangles. | |
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| Center of the Root Apical Meristem: The Nuclei are clearly visible and Mitotic Figures (M) are apparent. Click the picture to see a larger image. | Cells from the center of the RAM: The dense nature of the Cytoplasm is apparent in these cells. A Mitotic Figure (M) can be seen. |
