Which part of the plant is responsible for growth due to mitosis?

The meristem is the specific part of the plant that is primarily responsible for growth through mitosis. Meristems are regions of undifferentiated cells that can divide and differentiate into various types of cells as the plant grows. They are typically found at the tips of roots and shoots (apical meristems) and in the vascular and cork cambium (lateral meristems). This ability to continuously produce new cells allows the plant to increase in size, generate new leaves, flowers, and branches, and respond to environmental conditions.

In contrast, other parts of the plant such as nodes, petioles, and xylem do not primarily function for growth through mitosis. Nodes are points on a stem where leaves or branches are attached, while petioles are the stalks that attach leaves to the stem. Xylem is a type of tissue responsible for the transport of water and nutrients but does not directly contribute to the growth process through cell division like meristems do. This underscores the unique role of meristems in plant development and growth.