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Meristem

/MAIR-ih-stem/
🔬 Anatomy●●● Advanced

Also known as: growing point

Tissue composed of actively dividing, undifferentiated cells that are the source of all new plant growth. Apical meristems at shoot and root tips drive elongation; lateral meristems (cambium) drive thickening.

Etymology

From Greek meristos, meaning "divisible," from merizein (to divide).

Example

Plant hormones produced in the apical meristem control the growth and branching pattern.

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