Main Function of Apical Meristem

The Main Function of the Apical Meristem - The apical meristem is the tip of the plant, and is an undifferentiated meristematic tissue located at the tip of the bud and or at the root of the plant. The main function of the apical meristem is to initiate the growth of new cells at the tip of the shoot and root tip of the plant. Compared to lateral meristems that are more cylindrical, smaller apical meristems.

The apical meristem consists of several layers, the number of layers depending on the type of plant. The tunica layer is the outermost layer and the innermost layer is called the corpus. The monocotyl tunica determines the physical characteristics of the margins and leaf edges, whereas the corpus layer can distinguish the leaf margin characteristics of dikotil plants. Tunica and the corpus play a major role in the physical appearance of plants as every single plant cell is formed from meristems.

Location of Apical Meristem

The apical meristem is located in two locations, namely on the stem and root. Although there are some northern polar plants that have apical meristems in the middle or bottom of plants, such meristems only evolve because they are favorable under certain Arctic conditions.

There are two main types of apical meristems, namely: apical meristem shoot and root apical meristem.

Main Function of Apical Meristem

Apical meristem Is a network that is located at the tip of the root and the end of the stem that serves to form and produce apical buds and apical buds will form new tissues such as roots, branches, and leaves.

The cells found in the apical meristem function as stem cells in the peripheral and surrounding areas, where they multiply rapidly and will turn into primordial leaves or differentiating flowers. This is essentially a place where embryogenesis in flowering plants takes place. Primordial petals, sepals, leaves are ovaries and stamens begin at this site at level one in each time interval, known as plastochron. Information about meristem identity genes.

The apical meristem of the roots produces cells in two different dimensions; They are covered by a root cap for protection against pathogens, grime, and stones. A stationary center lies at the center of the root apical meristem that has low mitotic activity. Newly formed cells in this region are formed in primary root embryos which will give rise to secondary roots.