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Chapter 9: Problem 2

What are the two types of secondary meristem?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The two types of secondary meristem are the vascular cambium and cork cambium.

Step by step solution

01

Identify Secondary Meristem Types

Secondary meristems are responsible for the secondary growth in plants, allowing the plant to grow in thickness. These meristems are found in woody plants, where they increase the girth of the plant root or stem.
02

First Secondary Meristem: Vascular Cambium

The first type of secondary meristem is the vascular cambium. It is a type of lateral meristem that is responsible for the production of secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem. This increase in vascular tissues allows plants to grow wider over time.
03

Second Secondary Meristem: Cork Cambium

The second type is the cork cambium. Also known as phellogen, this meristematic tissue is involved in the production of the periderm, which replaces the epidermis in mature plant stems and roots. It forms the outer protective layer of the plant like the bark in trees.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Vascular Cambium
The vascular cambium is pivotal in promoting the thickness of plants through secondary growth. This lateral meristem resides between the wood (secondary xylem) and the bark (secondary phloem). As it divides, it adds new layers of these vascular tissues.

Here's how it works:
  • As cells in the vascular cambium divide, they form secondary xylem toward the inside of the stem and secondary phloem toward the outside.
  • This process enhances the plant's ability to transport water, nutrients, and food between roots and leaves.
  • The increment in thickness helps support the plant as it grows taller.
Without the vascular cambium, plants couldn't develop into large trees. Its role ensures water and nutrients can reach all parts of the plant efficiently.
Cork Cambium
Cork cambium, also known as phellogen, plays a vital role in protecting the plant as it matures. Located in the outer layers of the stem and root, it forms part of the plant's bark.

Here's the process it follows:
  • Once cork cambium divides, it generates cork cells externally and phelloderm cells internally.
  • The cork cells die and form a waterproof barrier. This is what you generally see as the outer layer of bark on trees.
  • Phelloderm cells, remaining alive, contribute to additional layers that support the plant.
This protective role of cork cambium is critical,
shielding the plant from physical injuries while reducing water loss and protecting against pathogens. Cork cambium essentially aids in the durability and longevity of the plant.
Secondary Plant Growth
Secondary plant growth is what enables plants to increase in girth, either in stems or roots. This process occurs through the activity of secondary meristems.

Key elements of secondary growth include:
  • The expansion involves both the vascular cambium and cork cambium.
  • Through the action of these meristems, the plant integrates additional layers of woody or corky tissues, fortifying its structure.
  • It's often prevalent in woody plants rather than herbaceous ones.
Such growth allows trees and shrubs to develop broad trunks and robust branches, supporting more leaves and ultimately improving their ability to perform photosynthesis.

This type of growth is crucial for plants to thrive in varied environments, enduring both natural and external challenges.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which major plant adaptation-vascular tissues or seeds - do you think was more important in the evolution of plants? Choose one of the two adaptations, and write a logical argument to support your choice.

Describe two types of specialized stems. What is each type of stem specialized for?

What do plants need? Why do they need these items?

List three reasons that plants are important to life on Earth.

Explain the role of stomata during photosynthesis.
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