Pericycle (Gr. Peri - Around, Kyklos - Circle)

Pericycle (Gr. Peri - Around, Kyklos - Circle)

A layer of parenchyma cells capable of developing into meristematic cells and producing lateral roots, root cambium and cork cambium.

The pericycle is a layer of cells located around the central cylinder of the plant root. The Greek name "pericycle" literally means "around a circle", reflecting the arrangement of these cells around the central part of the root.

The pericycle consists of a thin layer of parenchyma cells that retain the ability to divide. Due to this, the pericycle plays an important role in the formation of lateral roots and conductive tissues.

From the cells of the pericycle, lateral roots are formed, branching from the main root. In addition, the pericycle gives rise to the root cambium - educational tissue responsible for the growth of the root in thickness. The cork cambium also arises from the pericycle, which ensures the replacement of the primary cortex with cork.

Thus, due to the preservation of meristematic properties, the pericycle plays an important role in root morphogenesis, giving rise to new tissues and organs. Its arrangement around the central cylinder allows the pericycle to ensure root growth in both length and thickness.