Primary growth of plant due to apical meristems

Primary structures shown

Growth of plants is initiated by primary meristems located at the shoot and root apices. Differentiation gives rise to the specialized structures which we designate as vegetative organs, specifically, leaves, stems and roots. Internal differentiation provides for the movement of water, minerals, food substances, and a host of regulatory and signaling compounds in vascular tissue.

Become familiar with the basic terminology as labeled. All the growth shown in this illustration has come from the apical meristems, and therefore the plant body is said to represent primary growth.