In grasses, intercalary meristem is usually located at
base of leaves
Understanding Intercalary Meristem Location in Grasses
Plants grow in specific regions due to the presence of meristematic tissues. These tissues contain actively dividing cells responsible for growth. There are different types of meristems based on their location and function, including apical meristems, lateral meristems, and intercalary meristems.
What is Intercalary Meristem?
Intercalary meristem is a type of primary meristem tissue that is located between mature tissues. Unlike apical meristems which are at the tips of shoots and roots, or lateral meristems which are along the sides of stems and roots, intercalary meristems are found at nodes or the base of leaves.
These meristems contribute to the elongation of the plant structure between the points where they are located. They are particularly common and significant in monocots, such as grasses.
Location of Intercalary Meristem in Grasses
In grasses, the intercalary meristem plays a crucial role in regrowth after the tips of shoots are removed, for example, by grazing animals or mowing. This is possible because the meristematic tissue is located at a lower position on the stem, typically at:
- The base of internodes (the sections of stem between nodes).
- The base of leaves.
This strategic location allows grasses to quickly regenerate lost leaf and stem tissue from below the damaged area.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the given options in the context of meristem locations:
- Root tip: The root tip contains apical meristem, responsible for increasing the length of the root. It is not where intercalary meristem is usually found.
- Lateral sides of stem: The lateral sides of the stem in dicots and gymnosperms contain lateral meristems, such as vascular cambium and cork cambium, responsible for increasing the diameter (secondary growth). While some monocots have scattered vascular bundles, significant lateral meristem for secondary growth is generally absent, and this is not the location for intercalary meristem.
- Base of leaves: As discussed, this is a primary location for intercalary meristem in grasses, enabling them to grow taller by elongating internodes and regrow leaves after damage.
- Shoot tip: The shoot tip contains apical meristem, responsible for increasing the length of the stem and forming new leaves and branches. While apical meristem is key for initial growth, intercalary meristem is found lower down.
Based on the typical location and function of intercalary meristem in grasses, its usual location is at the base of leaves and internodes.
Revision Table: Types of Meristems and Locations
| Meristem Type | Usual Location | Primary Function | Common in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apical Meristem | Shoot tips, Root tips | Primary growth (increase in length) | Most plants |
| Lateral Meristem | Sides of stems and roots (vascular cambium, cork cambium) | Secondary growth (increase in diameter) | Dicots, Gymnosperms |
| Intercalary Meristem | Base of leaves, Base of internodes (especially at nodes) | Primary growth (elongation between nodes), Regrowth after damage | Monocots (like grasses) |
Additional Information on Grass Growth
The presence of intercalary meristem at the base of leaves and internodes is an adaptation that makes grasses particularly resilient to grazing and mowing. When the top part of a grass blade or stem is eaten or cut, the meristematic tissue near the base remains intact and can continue to divide, allowing the plant to quickly regenerate the lost biomass. This is why lawns and pastures can be mowed or grazed repeatedly and continue to grow.
This also contrasts with many dicotyledonous plants where the primary growth points (apical meristems) are at the tips of shoots. Removing these tips can stop or significantly alter the plant's vertical growth.
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