Question

Greek word ‘Meristos’ used in the term meristem means
A. Divided
B. Young
C. Tissue
D. Tip

Answer 1

Hint: The meristematic tissues are groups of young cells that have the ability to divide by the process known as ‘cell division’. They differentiate to form other parts of the plant and are present mainly at the tip of root or shoot. Meristematic tissues are also named based on its location in the plant namely- apical meristem, intercalary meristem and lateral meristem.

Complete step by step answer:
-Meristem is a word related to plant biology. It was given by Carl Wilhelm von Nägeli.
-In plants, the undifferentiated tissue that forms the various parts on differentiation is called the meristem. Eg. Apical meristem located at the tip of the young stem.
-The meristematic tissues are composed of actively dividing and self-renewing cells.
-In Greek, the word ‘meris’ means portions and ‘merizein’ means to divide. Thus from these two words, meristos was originated.
-The word tissue came from a French word- ‘tissu’ which means ‘woven’. The verb form is ’tisser’ that means ‘to weave’, as a group of numerous cells look like woven together to form tissues.
-‘Tip’ is a Low German word which means end or point.
-Young is called ‘neos’ in Greek language that means new.
The Greek word ‘Meristos’ used in the term meristem means divided. So, the correct answer is option (A).

Note:
-On the basis of its origin, the meristematic tissues are of different types like promeristem (origin- embryo), primary meristem, secondary meristem
-The meristematic tissue called protoderm differentiates to form the epidermis of a plant. It protects the plant from sudden atmospheric changes.
-Procambium is the meristem that forms the xylem and phloem – the transport system of the plant.
-The cortex, pericycle and pith are plant tissues formed by differentiation of the ground meristem.