The apical meristem is a small region of actively dividing, undifferentiated cells found at the tips of roots and shoots. These cells generate new tissues that extend the length of the plant, forming what is known as the primary plant body. Because apical meristems continually produce new cells, they enable plants to grow throughout their lifespan. The meristem contains “initial” cells, which maintain the tissue’s ability to divide, and daughter cells that gradually begin to specialize into the tissues needed for root or shoot development.
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