What term describes the plant growth points where new tissues form?

What term describes the plant growth points where new tissues form?

• A. Chloroplasts
• B. Meristems
• C. Mitochondria
• D. Vacuoles

Answer: (B)

Growth in plants happens at regions called meristems, where cells are actively dividing and can become different tissues. These meristematic zones sit at the tips of roots and shoots (apical meristems) and along stems for growth in girth (lateral meristems). Because the cells here are undifferentiated and continually divide, they drive the formation of new tissues, making meristems the correct term for plant growth points. Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, mitochondria generate energy for cells, and vacuoles store substances and help maintain turgor; none of these are growth points.

Growth in plants happens at regions called meristems, where cells are actively dividing and can become different tissues. These meristematic zones sit at the tips of roots and shoots (apical meristems) and along stems for growth in girth (lateral meristems). Because the cells here are undifferentiated and continually divide, they drive the formation of new tissues, making meristems the correct term for plant growth points. Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, mitochondria generate energy for cells, and vacuoles store substances and help maintain turgor; none of these are growth points.