Answer
The vascular cambium is a type of lateral meristem found in plants, particularly in dicots and gymnosperms, that is crucial for secondary growth. This growth results in an increase in the girth of the plant, allowing it to grow thicker over time. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Structure and Function
- Location: The vascular cambium is located between the primary xylem and primary phloem in the stem and roots of plants. It forms a continuous ring in woody plants, surrounding the central core of the stem or root.
- Function:
- Secondary Xylem Production: The vascular cambium produces secondary xylem (wood) toward the interior of the stem. This xylem is responsible for the transport of water and nutrients.
- Secondary Phloem Production: It also produces secondary phloem toward the exterior of the stem. This phloem is involved in the transport of food (sugars) produced through photosynthesis.
- Growth: The activity of the vascular cambium leads to the formation of annual rings in trees, visible as concentric circles in cross-sections of the trunk. These rings represent the incremental growth of the plant each year.
- Cell Division: The cambium consists of a layer of undifferentiated, meristematic cells that divide and differentiate into the cells of the xylem and phloem. This cell division is responsible for the plant’s increase in diameter.
Importance
- Support and Transport: By producing secondary xylem and phloem, the vascular cambium provides mechanical support to the plant and enhances its ability to transport water, nutrients, and food.
- Age Determination: The annual rings produced by the vascular cambium can be used to estimate the age of a tree and study historical climatic conditions.
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