Pericycle

What Does Pericycle Mean?

In plants, the pericycle is located between the phloem and endodermis of the plant's roots. This cylinder of sclerenchyma and parenchyma cells is part of the plant’s vascular cylinder and produces lateral roots in certain eudicots. In other plants, the pericycle produces branch roots. In angiosperms, specific molecules in the endodermis can be sent to the pericycle to enhance the root meristem growth.

Maximum Yield Explains Pericycle

In dicot roots, pericycles strengthens the roots while protecting the vascular bundles. The vascular cambium usually originates directly from a portion of the pericycle tissue. According to botanists, pericycles can divide near the xylem elements in order to regulate the formation of lateral roots.

When plants undergo secondary growth, pericycles may contribute to the vascular cambium and often diverges into a cork cambium. The pericycle can generate numerous types of cells, including cells that have been shown to enable lateral root development and creating secondary root growth. It also has the capacity to store various food materials except for nitrogenous food.