What type of meristem is located at the tips of roots and shoots, facilitating primary growth in plants?

Apical meristem is found at the tips of roots and shoots, playing a crucial role in primary growth, which is the process that increases the length of these plant structures. This type of meristem is responsible for the rapid division of cells that leads to the formation of new tissues, allowing the plant to grow taller and extend its roots deeper into the soil.

The apical meristem produces three primary types of tissues: protoderm, ground meristem, and procambium, which later develop into the epidermis, ground tissues, and vascular tissues, respectively. This growth is essential for reaching light for photosynthesis and for anchored stability through root elongation. As plants develop, the primary growth enables them to explore their environment effectively, which is vital for their survival and reproduction.

Other types of meristems, such as lateral meristems, are involved in secondary growth, which increases the girth of the plant, and intercalary meristems are located at the bases of leaves or internodes, also playing a role in growth but not specifically at the tips. Cambium serves as a specific type of lateral meristem facilitating secondary growth and is not responsible for primary growth at the tips.