What is the Difference Between Vascular Cambium and Cork Cambium?

The vascular cambium and cork cambium are both lateral meristems, which are responsible for the secondary growth of plants. They are found in stems and roots after the tissues of the primary plant body have differentiated. However, there are several key differences between them:

1. Function:

• Vascular cambium is responsible for increasing the diameter of stems and roots and for forming woody tissue. It gives rise to the secondary xylem and phloem.
• Cork cambium produces some of the bark and the secondary cortex. It primarily produces cork, which provides protection against physical damage and prevents water loss.

1. Location:

• Vascular cambium is located between the primary xylem and primary phloem, in the center of the stem or root.
• Cork cambium is located outside the vascular tissues, in the outer part of the cortex.

1. Cell Production:

• Vascular cambium produces secondary phloem to its exterior and secondary xylem to its interior.
• Cork cambium produces cells to its exterior and phelloderm to its interior. Cork cambium also produces lenticels, which allow gas exchange.

1. Origin:

• Vascular cambium has both primary and secondary origins.
• Cork cambium is secondary in origin and is derived from dedifferentiated parenchyma cells.

In summary, the main differences between vascular cambium and cork cambium are their functions, locations, cell production, and origins. Vascular cambium is responsible for producing woody tissue and increasing the diameter of stems and roots, while cork cambium produces bark and provides protection against physical damage and water loss.

Comparative Table: Vascular Cambium vs Cork Cambium

Here is a table comparing the differences between vascular cambium and cork cambium:

Both vascular cambium and cork cambium are lateral meristems responsible for the secondary growth of plants, found only in dicotyledonous plants. They arise from lateral meristematic tissue and contribute to increasing the girth of stems and roots. However, the vascular cambium produces secondary xylem and phloem, while the cork cambium produces bark, secondary cortex, and lenticels. Additionally, the vascular cambium is found between the primary xylem and primary phloem, whereas the cork cambium is located outside the vascular structures of a plant.