Meristems are divided into three on the basis of
position in the plant body
(i) Apical meristem The apical meristem is located at
the apices/tips of roots and shoots.
It has following functions
(a) Forms the primary tissues of the plant and helps in
growth in length.
(b) Certain cells of apical meristem constitute the
axillary buds present in the axils of leaves.
(ii) Intercalary meristem It occurs in between mature
tissues, at the bases of internodes and leaf sheaths of
grasses and other monocots. They help to regenerate
the parts of grasses, eaten by herbivores and help in
primary growth of plants.
(iii) Lateral meristem It is arranged parallel to the sides
Of the organs of plants. The lateral meristem is
responsible for increase in the diameter of an organ.