What do meristems primarily consist of?

Meristems are primarily composed of unspecialized cells, which are crucial for plant growth and development. These cells are known as meristematic cells and have the unique ability to divide and differentiate into various types of specialized cells that form different tissues and organs as the plant matures. This capacity for continuous cell division enables the plant to grow not only in height through apical meristems at the tips of roots and stems but also to expand laterally through lateral meristems.

The unspecialized nature of these cells means they lack the specific characteristics that would define them as any particular cell type; instead, they retain the potential to become specialized depending on the plant's needs and environmental conditions. This flexibility is essential for the plant's adaptability and growth, allowing it to respond to various factors such as injury, environmental stress, or the need for new growth.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the composition of meristems. Specialized cells variously perform specific functions but do not contribute to the growth capacity of meristems. Unorganized tissues do not describe the structured growth nature seen in meristems, where organized cell division takes place. Dead tissues, while present in plants, do not play any role in growth or the formation