Question

You are interested in pruning a shrub to give it a thicker and fuller appearance. Explain how meristem will play a role in achieving your goal.

Answer 1

Answer: The growth of the plant is because of the meristematic cells which are located in different parts of the plant. Growing parts of the plant contains the meristematic cells.

The vertical growth of the plant is because of the shoot apical meristems, in plants apical dominance is seen that is the shoot apex inhibits the growth of the lateral branches, this is because of the phytohormone auxin, which is produced by the apical bud. Auxin moves from the shoot apex downwards and inhibits the growth of the lateral branches. When the apical meristem(bud)is removed, by pruning the lowered auxin concentration allows the growth of the dormant lateral buds to form branches.

Thicker and fuller appearance of the shrub is because of the growth of the lateral branches and it is achieved by pruning when the apical meristems are removed.