Plant Structure
Science

The cells at the tips of roots and stems, as they divide, the root and stem lengthen
Apical meristem
The cells at the tips of roots and stems, as they divide, the root and stem lengthen. Apical meristem is a region of growth in plants where new cells are produced, allowing the plant to grow taller and roots to grow longer.

A nucleated cell that helps to transport substances through the sieve cells of the phloem
Companion cell
A nucleated cell that helps to transport substances through the sieve cells of the phloem. Companion cell. In simple terms, a companion cell is a type of plant cell that supports and aids the function of sieve tube elements in the phloem, facilitating the transport of nutrients.

The tissue that makes up the majority of a plant, it consists of the parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma
Ground tissue
The tissue that makes up the majority of a plant, it consists of the parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma. Ground tissue is the part of a plant that fills the space between the skin and the core, helping with support and storage.

One of a pair of cells that open and close plant stoma, to control gas exchange
Guard cell
One of a pair of cells that open and close plant stoma, to control gas exchange. Guard cell. Guard cells are like tiny doormen that control when a plant breathes by opening and closing tiny pores on leaves called stomata.

A region of unspecialized cells, which divide to form different types of cells as a plant grows
Meristem
A region of unspecialized cells, which divide to form different types of cells as a plant grows. Meristem. Meristem is the part of plants where growth takes place, producing new cells for various functions.

The layer of cells just under the leaf epidermis where most photosynthesis takes place
Palisade mesophyll
The layer of cells just under the leaf epidermis where most photosynthesis takes place. Palisade mesophyll. These are tall, closely packed cells in a leaf where the majority of photosynthesis occurs.

Lateral meristem tissue that produces xylem and phloem cells, used to thicken roots and stems
Vascular cambium
Lateral meristem tissue that produces xylem and phloem cells, used to thicken roots and stems. Vascular cambium. Vascular cambium is a type of plant tissue that helps plants get thicker by making new layers of cells.

A hollow, tubular cell that forms xylem vessels, which carry water and minerals
Vessel element
A hollow, tubular cell that forms xylem vessels, which carry water and minerals. Vessel element. Vessel elements are specialized cells in plants that help transport water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.