Lateral meristem is the specialised tissue responsible for increasing stem girth. It is located along the circumference of stems and roots, where actively dividing cells continuously produce new tissues, increasing thickness and forming annual growth rings.
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The answers assume that debarking damaged bark and phloem significantly but xylem remained functional. If assumptions change, such as deeper xylem damage or partial bark removal, water transport, survival and overall effects on the tree would differ.
Collenchyma tissue provides flexibility to the young mango stem, allowing it to bend without breaking. If replaced by sclerenchyma, the stem would become hard and rigid, reducing flexibility and increasing chances of breaking during strong monsoon winds.
Supporting tissues keep plants upright. Collenchyma provides flexibility, allowing fresh twigs to bend without breaking. Sclerenchyma makes seed coats hard and strong. Specialised parenchyma with air spaces helps aquatic plants float easily on water surfaces.
The epidermis protects plants from mechanical injury, water loss, microorganisms and harsh environmental conditions. Its tightly packed cells and waxy cuticle reduce water loss, while root hairs and stomata help absorption, gaseous exchange and transpiration in plants.