Apical Meristems vs. Lateral Meristems — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 28, 2023
Apical meristems are growth regions at plant tips promoting vertical growth; lateral meristems allow for outward, radial growth.
Difference Between Apical Meristems and Lateral Meristems
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Apical meristems are found at the tips of roots and shoots in plants. They are responsible for the vertical growth or elongation of the plant. These meristematic cells divide and differentiate to give rise to all the primary tissues of the plant, allowing for its upward or downward expansion.
Lateral meristems, on the other hand, are located parallel to the sides of stems and roots. They lead to an increase in the thickness or girth of the plant, resulting in radial growth. Unlike apical meristems, which help a plant grow tall, lateral meristems help a plant grow wide.
The main role of apical meristems is to extend the plant body into new, potentially beneficial spaces or towards sources of light. This meristematic region ensures the plant continuously explores its environment, making it possible for the plant to establish itself further in its surroundings.
Conversely, lateral meristems are primarily concerned with strengthening and enlarging the plant body. By causing the plant to grow in diameter, they provide support for taller plants, ensuring stability. Moreover, lateral meristems help in producing secondary tissues that often have protective functions.
Both apical and lateral meristems are crucial for a plant's growth and adaptation to its environment. While apical meristems enable the plant to access new territories, lateral meristems ensure the plant remains robust and can support its increasing mass.
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Comparison Chart
Location
Tips of roots and shoots
Sides of stems and roots
Growth Direction
Vertical
Radial (outward)
Function
Elongation of plant
Increase in plant girth
Resulting Tissue
Primary tissues
Secondary tissues
Environmental Adaptation
Access to light and new spaces
Support and protection
Compare with Definitions
Apical Meristems
Regions that produce primary plant tissues.
Apical meristems generate the tissues seen in emerging leaves and roots.
Lateral Meristems
Active cells dividing parallel to plant sides.
The rings in a tree's cross-section represent years of lateral meristem activity.
Apical Meristems
Sites of primary growth in plants.
Thanks to apical meristems, young plants can rapidly grow taller.
Lateral Meristems
Regions responsible for increasing plant diameter.
As a sapling matures, its lateral meristems widen its stem.
Apical Meristems
Active cells dividing at plant extremities.
The sprouting tip of a potato showcases the work of apical meristems.
Lateral Meristems
Growth areas for outward plant expansion.
A tree's girth expands annually due to its lateral meristems.
Apical Meristems
Meristematic regions at the tips of roots and shoots.
Apical meristems are responsible for a plant’s height increase.
Lateral Meristems
Meristematic layers causing radial plant growth.
The thickening of tree trunks is credited to lateral meristems.
Apical Meristems
Growth areas enabling vertical plant extension.
The elongation of a flower stem is due to its apical meristem.
Lateral Meristems
Sites producing secondary plant tissues.
Lateral meristems generate the protective bark of trees.
Common Curiosities
Are lateral meristems responsible for making bark?
Yes, the cork cambium, a type of lateral meristem, produces the bark in trees.
What are apical meristems?
Apical meristems are growth regions at plant tips, facilitating vertical expansion.
Where are lateral meristems found?
Lateral meristems are located on the sides of stems and roots, aiding in horizontal growth.
What tissues arise from lateral meristems?
Lateral meristems produce vascular tissues like xylem and phloem and also bark.
Why do trees grow thick over time?
Trees grow thicker due to the activity of lateral meristems, especially the vascular cambium.
What type of growth do apical meristems contribute to?
Apical meristems lead to primary growth, adding to plant height and root depth.
Can I find apical meristems in all plants?
Most plants have apical meristems, ensuring their vertical growth both above and below ground.
Do flowers develop from apical meristems?
Yes, the shoot apical meristem can give rise to new leaves and flowers.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
