AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Lateral meristems which play a primary role in secondary growth of plants are composed of the vascular cambium and the cork cambium. Growth of these tissues directly results in secondary growth of the plant. In this topic, we will discuss the formation of secondary vascular tissues and their structure.

Detailed explanation-2: -Meristems contribute to both primary (taller/longer) and secondary (wider) growth. Primary growth is controlled by root apical meristems or shoot apical meristems, while secondary growth is controlled by the two lateral meristems, called the vascular cambium and the cork cambium.

Detailed explanation-3: -Secondary growth is an increase in thickness or girth of the plant body due to activity of lateral meristems. Lateral meristems are located laterally around the stem (not at the tips like apical meristems).

Detailed explanation-4: -The vascular cambium and cork cambium are secondary meristems that are formed in stems and roots after the tissues of the primary plant body have differentiated. The vascular cambium is responsible for increasing the diameter of stems and roots and for forming woody tissue. The cork cambium produces some of the bark.

Detailed explanation-5: -The cork cambium grows both outwards and inwards. The cells that grow outwards become the cork cells and the cells that grow inwards are called secondary cortex.