On the basis of the following characteristics the meristemtic cells can be identified.
(i) Cell consist thin cellulose wall and dense cytoplasm with large nucleus.
(ii) Among meristematic cells, plasmodesmal connections are more numerous.
(iii) Cell division, i.e., mitosis and its various stages are distinctly visible.
(iv) Chromosomes of cells replicate and divide into two homologous chromatids.
All these features contribute to open ended growth where structure is in complete in meristematic regions.
Whereas, cells incapable of dividing show features such as
(i) Attains particular shape, size and thickening.
(ii) Undergoes structural and physiological differentiation.
(iii) Different types of cell are formed such as epidermis, cortex, vascular tissues.