Which type of meristematic tissue has the capacity to form different types of permanent tissues?

The type of meristematic tissue that has the capacity to form different types of permanent tissues is the apical meristem. Apical meristems are located at the tips of roots and shoots and are responsible for the primary growth of plants, leading to an increase in length. They give rise to various types of cells that differentiate into permanent tissues such as parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma, along with conducting tissues like xylem and phloem. This versatility is essential for the developing plant, allowing it to adapt to its environment and support complex structures.

Other types of meristems, such as lateral meristems, primarily contribute to secondary growth, increasing the thickness of stems and roots, but they may have a more limited role in forming the diverse types of permanent tissues compared to apical meristems. The other mentioned types, eumeristems and pseudomeristems, are not widely recognized classifications in plant biology.