AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Lateral meristem is responsible for the increase in the girth of the stem. It is found beneath the bark (called cork cambium) and in vascular bundles of dicot roots and stems (called vascular cambium) as thin layers. It is composed of such initials which divide mainly in one plane and increases the girth of the stem.

Detailed explanation-2: -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). There are two types of lateral meristems or cambia, the vascular cambium and the cork cambium.

Detailed explanation-3: -Lateral meristems include the meristematic tissues that occupy the lateral regions of stems and roots. They bring about increase in the width of the plant body.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lateral meristem stimulates the increase in the girth of stem and root. It increases the lateral thickness of the plant stem and root.

Detailed explanation-5: -Intercalary meristems are found at the bases of young leaves and internodes. They are mainly responsible for further lengthening of stems and leaves. Lateral meristems are found along the sides of roots and stems. They play a vital role in increasing the width or diameter of stems and roots.