Write the characteristics of cells which are proximal to the meristematic zone.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Meristematic Zone**:
- The meristematic zone is the region in plants where actively dividing cells are located. These cells are crucial for growth and development.

2. **Active Growth**:
- Cells proximal to the meristematic zone are characterized by being actively growing. This means they are constantly undergoing cell division, which contributes to the elongation and development of plant structures.

3. **Absence of Vacuoles**:
- These cells lack large vacuoles. Vacuoles are typically involved in storage and maintaining turgor pressure, but in meristematic cells, their absence allows for more space for the cytoplasm and facilitates active division.

4. **No Intercellular Spaces**:
- There are no intercellular spaces present between these cells. This close packing is important for efficient communication and transport of nutrients and signals between cells.

5. **Metabolic Activity**:
- The cells are metabolically active, meaning they have high rates of biochemical reactions necessary for growth and division.

6. **Dense Protoplast**:
- The protoplast (the living part of the cell) in these cells is very dense. This density is indicative of the high concentration of organelles and cytoplasm, which supports their active metabolic functions.

7. **Location**:
- These cells are typically found at the tips of roots and shoots, which are the primary sites of growth in plants. They are also involved in the formation of buds, flowers, and leaves.

8. **Lack of Food Storage**:
- Meristematic cells do not store food. Instead, they are focused on growth and division rather than storage functions.

9. **Rapid Cell Division**:
- These cells undergo rapid divisions, which is essential for the continuous growth of the plant.

10. **Thin Cell Walls**:
- The cell walls of these cells are very thin. This allows for easier expansion and flexibility as the cells grow and divide.

11. **Disease Resistance**:
- Meristematic cells are not connected by plasmodesmata, which are channels that allow for communication between plant cells. This means that if these cells become infected with a virus, the virus cannot spread to neighboring cells, making them a source for generating disease-resistant plants through meristematic culture.

### Summary of Characteristics:
- Actively growing cells
- Absence of vacuoles
- No intercellular spaces
- Metabolically active
- Dense protoplast
- Located at root and shoot tips
- Lack of food storage
- Rapid cell division
- Thin cell walls
- Disease-resistant properties