Question

The cambium typically extends throughout the length of stems and roots in the form of ______.

Answer 1

The cambium extends in the form of a cylinder, and the vascular cambium is responsible for secondary growth and the formation of annual rings that signify seasonal growth changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cambium typically extends throughout the length of stems and roots in the form of a cylinder. The vascular cambium is a lateral meristem that exists as a circular layer of cells in a cross-section but forms a cylinder within three dimensions. It originates from undifferentiated cells produced by the apical meristem, positioned between the xylem and the phloem, stimulating cells between the vascular bundles to become meristematic and divide. This is essential for secondary growth, where the vascular cambium adds growth to the diameter of the plant by producing secondary xylem and phloem.

The vascular cambium is also responsible for the formation of annual rings, detectable in cross sections of stems as concentric circles denoting the patterns of seasonal growth in many trees. These rings are a product of variable xylem cell production throughout active and dormant growth periods and provide insights into the tree's age and environmental history.

Answer 2

The cambium typically extends throughout the length of stems and roots in the form of vascular cambium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The vascular cambium is a meristematic tissue found in the stems and roots of vascular plants, responsible for secondary growth. It is a cylindrical layer of cells that lies between the xylem and phloem in the vascular bundles of these plant organs. The vascular cambium is essential for the development of secondary vascular tissues, leading to an increase in girth or diameter of the stems and roots.

The primary function of the vascular cambium is to produce secondary xylem and phloem, which contribute to the formation of wood and bark. The cells of the vascular cambium divide and differentiate, with the cells on one side becoming part of the secondary xylem, and those on the other side becoming part of the secondary phloem. This continuous division and differentiation result in the growth of the plant, forming annual rings in the case of stems. The vascular cambium thus plays a crucial role in the structural development of plants, providing support and facilitating the transport of water, nutrients, and sugars.

Understanding the distribution and activity of the vascular cambium is fundamental in studying plant growth, development, and anatomy. It is a dynamic tissue that adapts to the changing needs of the plant, ensuring its structural integrity and functionality. The presence of vascular cambium is a key characteristic of woody plants, distinguishing them from herbaceous plants, and contributes significantly to the longevity and resilience of these organisms in various environmental conditions.