Q.Continuous state of dividing tissue is called meristem. In connection to this, what is the role of lateral meristem?

Step 1. Recall the general definition of meristem. A meristem is a tissue whose cells remain in a continuous state of division rather than maturing into fixed permanent tissue - this constant dividing activity is what makes growth possible throughout a plant's life.

Step 2. Distinguish lateral meristem from apical meristem. Meristems are positioned differently depending on the kind of growth they drive. Apical meristems, at the tips of root and shoot, are responsible for primary or longitudinal growth - increase in length. Lateral meristems, by contrast, run along the length of the stem or root axis (rather than sitting only at the tip) and are responsible for secondary or latitudinal growth - increase in thickness/girth.

Step 3. Name the specific lateral meristems and their roles. In dicots and gymnosperms, secondary growth is carried out by two lateral meristems: the vascular cambium, which divides to produce secondary xylem (wood) on its inner face and secondary phloem (bast) on its outer face, thickening the plant's conducting core, and the cork cambium (phellogen), which divides to produce phellem (cork) outward and phelloderm (secondary cortex) inward, building the protective periderm once the epidermis can no longer keep pace with the widening stem or root. …

Connect the general meristem definition to the specific role of lateral meristem (secondary growth), n …

• Confusing lateral meristem's role (girth) with apical meristem's role (length). …