Shoot Apical Meristem

Shoot apical meristem (SAM) is a group of specialized small cells located at the tip of the shoot in plants, which are responsible for the growth of the plant in length. It consists of undifferentiated cells that can divide rapidly and continuously and differentiate into new cells to form the various parts of the plant. SAM is responsible for the development of leaves, stems, and other structures in plants. Its presence is crucial for plant development and growth. Furthermore, SAM plays an important role in plant adaptation and response to environmental changes including temperature, sunlight, and nutrient availability. It is also involved in various biotechnological applications such as gene editing and agricultural crop development.