Which of the following is a characteristic feature of meristematic tissues in plants?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is: (c) Actively dividing cells with dense cytoplasm and prominent nuclei
Explanation:

• Meristematic tissues are made of actively dividing cells that enable plant growth.

• Cells are small, with dense cytoplasm, thin cell walls, and a prominent nucleus.

• They lack vacuoles or have very small vacuoles to facilitate rapid division.
Information Booster:

• Types: Apical, Intercalary, and Lateral meristems.

• Responsible for primary growth (length) and secondary growth (girth). • Apical meristem – tips of roots and shoots.

• Lateral meristem – vascular cambium, cork cambium. • Intercalary meristem – at leaf bases and internodes (e.g., grasses).
Additional Knowledge:

• (a) Large vacuoles and thick cell walls – Found in mature permanent cells, not meristematic.

• (b) Absence of nucleus and lignified walls – Characteristic of xylem vessels, not meristematic cells.

• (d) Dead cells providing mechanical support – Refers to sclerenchyma tissue.