are meristematic tissues dead

No, meristematic tissues are not dead. They are composed of living cells that are actively dividing and contributing to plant growth. Here are key characteristics of meristematic tissues:

1. Living Cells: Meristematic tissues consist of living cells that are capable of continuous cell division.
2. Small, Undifferentiated Cells: The cells in meristematic tissues are typically small, with dense cytoplasm and large nuclei. They lack specialized structures and are undifferentiated.
3. High Mitotic Activity: These tissues have a high rate of mitosis, which is essential for producing new cells that can differentiate into various types of specialized tissues.
4. Function in Growth: Meristematic tissues are crucial for primary and secondary growth in plants, contributing to the increase in length (apical meristem) and girth (lateral meristem) of plant organs.

In summary, meristematic tissues are living and vital for plant growth and development.