Periclinal is a term used in botanical studies to describe the direction of cell division in the meristem. It is pronounced /pɛrɪˈklaɪnəl/ which means each phonetic symbol stands for a sound present in the word. The sound /p/ is the first consonant, followed by the vowel sounds /ɛ/, /ɪ/, /aɪ/, and /ə/, and ending with the consonant /l/. The spelling of the word is derived from the Greek words "peri" meaning around and "clinal" meaning slope, indicating the orientation of the cell division.
Periclinal is an adjective that describes a particular arrangement or direction of cell division in plant tissues. It refers to a division that occurs parallel to the surface or outer layer, resulting in new cells being formed in a plane that is parallel to the surface of the organ or tissue.
In botanical terms, periclinal cell division refers to the division of cells that leads to the formation of new cells in a radial plane, extending from the outer surface towards the inner layers of the plant tissue. This type of division occurs in various plant structures, including stems, roots, leaves, and meristematic tissues.
The periclinal division plays a critical role in plant growth and development as it allows for expansion and enlargement of tissues. By dividing parallel to the surface, periclinal cell division increases the surface area, which facilitates the absorption of nutrients and water, as well as the exchange of gases. It also aids in the formation of new layers, such as the generation of secondary growth in woody plants.
The term "periclinal" is derived from the Greek words "peri," meaning around, and "klinein," meaning to lean. Therefore, it literally means "leaning around" or "going around." This term accurately reflects the orientation and arrangement of the cells resulting from periclinal division, where new cells are formed in a circle or around the outer layer.
Dipping on all sides from a central point or apex-applied to strata which dip in this manner.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "periclinal" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "peri" meaning "around" or "surrounding", and "klinein" meaning "to lean" or "to incline". The Greek word "periklinōsis", which means "inclination", is also related to this term. In the context of biology and plant physiology, "periclinal" refers to a type of cell division that occurs parallel to the surface of an organ or tissue.