In this video we are going to look at the structure of the shoot apical meristem. Meristems are areas of undifferentiated tissue found in the growing areas of the plant, such as in the shoots, roots and flowers. Meristems give rise to various plant organs and are responsible for growth in plants. The shoot apical meristem is found at the top of the stem and is responsible for the growth of the stem itself as well as the leaves and lateral buds. If we take a closer look at the shoot apical meristem, we will find it consists layers and zones. The active shoot apical meristem has three zones. The central zone as the name suggests is found in the centre of the meristem and consists of a small number of large highly vacuolated cells. These cells are stem cells, some have no roles and others undergo division to act as replenishments for the peripheral and rib zones. The peripheral zone flanks the central zone, this zone has more and smaller cells than the central zone. Cell division in the peripheral zone gives rise to the leaf primordia. The rib zone is found further inside the meristem, and under the central zone. Cell division in this zone gives rise to the internal tissues of the stem The shoot apical meristem also has three layers. Layer 1 is the outer layer. Cell division in this layer is anticlinal, which is where the cell walls separating daughters cells are at right angles to the surface of the meristem. Layer one gives rise to the epidermis. The next layer in is Layer 2, cell division in this layer is also anticlinal. Layer two gives rise to the internal tissues. The internal layer is Layer 3. Cell division in this layer is randomly orientated. Layer three like layer two also gives rise to internal tissues. Thank you for watching. If you found this video helpful be sure to subscribe and hit that like button.