Apical meristem is terminal in position and responsible for terminal growth of the plant. Apical meristem is present at all root tips and shoot tips. Related Theory If the apical meristem is removed by removing the end of the stem, the lateral buds will be released from apical dominance, and greater branching results. Eventually, one of the lateral meristems will grow more than the others and will impose apical dominance, becoming the new apical meristem.