Meristematic cells have high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio

Cells rich in free ribosomes

Transmission electron micrograph of apical meristem cells from a soybean (Glycine max) shoot apex. Characteristic of cells of the apical meristem is the predominance of the cytosol, rich in free ribosomes, facilitating a high rate of protein synthesis. This is in opposition to the meristematic cells of the vascular cambium which are largely vacuolate.

The nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio is also high. Note a nucleus in the prophase stage of mitosis (indicated by the condensation of chromatin) in the upper cell.