Meristematic cells are a type of plant cells that are responsible for cell division and growth. These cells are found in regions called meristems, which are localized areas of actively dividing cells. While it is true that meristematic cells have a limited number of mitochondria, these organelles are not the primary source of energy for cell division. Instead, meristematic cells rely on alternative mechanisms to generate the required energy.


One of the main sources of energy for meristematic cell division is glycolysis. Glycolysis is a metabolic pathway that occurs in the cytoplasm of cells and involves the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate. This process does not require oxygen and can occur in the absence of mitochondria. During glycolysis, glucose is converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary energy currency of cells. ATP provides the necessary energy for various cellular processes, including cell division.


In the absence of oxygen, meristematic cells can also undergo fermentation to generate energy. Fermentation is an anaerobic process that converts pyruvate, produced during glycolysis, into different end products such as ethanol or lactic acid. Although fermentation is less efficient in terms of energy production compared to aerobic respiration, it can still provide enough ATP to support cell division in meristematic cells.


Another important aspect to consider is the presence of plasmodesmata in meristematic cells. Plasmodesmata are small channels that connect adjacent plant cells, allowing for the exchange of various molecules including ATP. These channels facilitate the transfer of energy-rich molecules between cells, ensuring a continuous supply of ATP for cell division.


Meristematic cells also obtain nutrients from their surrounding environment, such as sugars and minerals. These nutrients are essential for energy production and are transported into the cells via active transport mechanisms. Once inside the cell, these nutrients can be utilized in various metabolic pathways to generate ATP and provide energy for cell division.

In conclusion, while meristematic cells may have a limited number of mitochondria, they can still generate the necessary energy for cell division through alternative mechanisms such as glycolysis, fermentation, plasmodesmata-mediated ATP transfer, and nutrient uptake. These processes ensure a steady supply of ATP, enabling meristematic cells to sustain the continuous growth and division required for plant development.

Mitochondria, for example, are organelles that provide eukaryotes with most of their energy by producing energy-rich molecules called ATP. Prokaryotes lack mitochondria and instead produce their ATP on their cell surface membrane.