Question

Which plant tissue remains in an active metabolic state always?

Answer 1

Hint: This tissue is seen in young plants. The cells have certain characteristic features like thin cellulosic walls, little or no intercellular spaces, and consist of large nuclei with little or no cytoplasm.

Complete Answer:
Tissues are groups of cells that perform similar functions. N. Grew explained that plants also contain tissues.
Plant tissues are broadly classified into two main groups, Meristematic and Permanent. This division is based on whether the cells of the tissue are capable of dividing or not.

Meristematic tissues (Meristos -to divide)
- It consists of immature cells that are in dividing state continuously.
- This means the cells are in an active metabolic state.
- This tissue thus contributes to the growth of the plants.
- This tissue is found in the growing regions of the young plants.
- The growth in plants is a continuous process and this is due to the presence of Meristematic tissue.
- The specialised areas in the plant body that possess this tissue are known as Meristems
- The meristems are further classified in two ways.

On the basis of Origin in the plant	On the basis of Position in the plant
Primary Meristem : These cells appear early in the life of a plant and are responsible for the formation of the primary plant body.	Apical Meristems : These are found at the apex of root or stem or branch. (This is primary growth). This tissue is responsible for increase in the length of the plant.
Secondary meristem : These appear later in the plants and are responsible for the formation of the secondary tissues.	Intercalary Meristem : These are Intercalated between the permanent tissues. This tissue also contributes to the length of the plant. (this is also primary growth).
	Lateral Meristem : This tissue is seen along the lateral sides. This is responsible for the increase in the girth of the plants. This is regarded as secondary growth.

Note: In plant tissues, meristematic tissue is the tissue seen in young plants. This tissue undergoes division and differentiation continuously to form permanent tissue. This is not seen in animal tissues, as all the tissues are formed independently from the embryonic germ layers.