The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Meristematic tissues consist of actively dividing cells responsible for growth in plants. These cells have not yet differentiated into specialized forms and retain the capacity for continuous cell division.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Meristematic tissues are composed of immature cells that possess the ability to divide continuously. It is the permanent tissues (like parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma) that are formed from meristems and have lost the ability to divide.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Cells of meristematic tissue are metabolically highly active. To support rapid division and growth, they possess dense cytoplasm and a large, prominent nucleus. They typically have thin cellulose walls.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Meristematic cells generally lack vacuoles or have very small ones. Vacuoles are primarily responsible for storage and providing turgidity or rigidity to mature cells. Since meristematic cells are constantly dividing and do not store nutrients or waste, large vacuoles are unnecessary and would impede the division process.
Key Takeaway: Meristematic tissues are characterized by their ability to divide actively, dense cytoplasm, prominent nuclei, thin cell walls, and the absence of large vacuoles.