VASCULAR CAMBIUM Meaning and
Definition
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The vascular cambium is a narrow layer of meristematic tissue found in the stems and roots of woody plants, such as trees and shrubs. It is responsible for secondary growth, which allows the plant to increase its girth and produce more woody tissue as it matures.
The vascular cambium consists of actively dividing cells that give rise to secondary xylem (wood) on one side and secondary phloem (inner bark) on the other. It lies between the primary xylem and primary phloem, forming a thin cylinder that encircles the stem or root.
As the vascular cambium cells divide, new layers of xylem and phloem are added each growing season. The xylem cells produced are dead at maturity and serve to transport water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. The phloem cells, on the other hand, are alive at maturity and are responsible for transporting sugars and other nutrients from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
The continuous activity of the vascular cambium year after year leads to the gradual thickening of the stem or root. This, in turn, provides structural support for the plant. In addition, the increased vascular tissue allows for the efficient transport of fluids and nutrients throughout the plant.
Overall, the vascular cambium plays a crucial role in the secondary growth of woody plants, allowing them to grow in girth and develop the necessary support and transport systems as they mature.
Etymology of VASCULAR CAMBIUM
The word "vascular cambium" is derived from two main parts:
1. Vascular: The term "vascular" is derived from the Latin word "vasculum", meaning "small vessel". It relates to the system of vessels, such as xylem and phloem, that transport fluids and nutrients in plants.
2. Cambium: The term "cambium" comes from the medieval Latin word "cambium", meaning "exchange" or "change". It originates from the Latin word "cambiare", which means "to exchange". In the context of plants, cambium refers to a layer of actively dividing cells in the stem or root that produces secondary tissues, allowing for radial growth.
