Here's a breakdown:
* Meristematic cells are undifferentiated plant cells that are capable of dividing and differentiating into various types of specialized cells.
* Lateral meristems are found in the vascular cambium and cork cambium, which are responsible for secondary growth, which increases the girth or width of the plant.
Here's how it works:
* Vascular cambium: This tissue is located between the xylem and phloem. It produces new xylem cells towards the inside of the stem and new phloem cells towards the outside. This process leads to the thickening of the vascular tissue, adding width to the plant.
* Cork cambium: This tissue is located in the outer layer of the stem and roots. It produces cork cells towards the outside, forming the protective outer layer called the bark. This process adds width to the stem and root, protecting the inner tissues.
So, while all meristematic cells are involved in growth, it's the lateral meristems that are specifically responsible for increasing the width of the plant body.
