Differentiate between Cork cambium and vascular cambium

Cork cambium and vascular cambium are both types of meristematic tissues found in plants, responsible for the growth and development of stems and roots. However, they serve different purposes and are involved in distinct processes within the plant.

Vascular Cambium:

Location: The vascular cambium is a type of lateral meristem found in the stems and roots of dicotyledonous plants (angiosperms with two cotyledons). It lies between the primary xylem and primary phloem, forming a cylindrical layer that extends radially within the plant.
Function: The primary function of vascular cambium is to produce secondary vascular tissues, namely secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem. As the vascular cambium cells divide, the cells produced on the inside become part of the secondary xylem, contributing to the growth of the plant's woody tissues, while the cells produced on the outside become part of the secondary phloem, aiding in the transport of nutrients.
Activity: Vascular cambium is active during secondary growth, which occurs in older woody plants. This type of growth increases the girth or thickness of stems and roots, allowing the plant to support its weight and transport water and nutrients more efficiently.
Cork Cambium (Phellogen):

Location: The cork cambium is a type of lateral meristem found in the outer bark of stems and roots of dicotyledonous plants as well as gymnosperms (cone-bearing plants).
Function: The primary function of cork cambium is to produce cork cells (phellem) on the outer side and phelloderm cells on the inner side. These cells replace the epidermis in older stems and roots, providing protection to the plant against mechanical damage, water loss, and pathogens.
Activity: The activity of cork cambium leads to the formation of periderm, which is a secondary protective tissue in older plants. As the cork cells accumulate, they become impregnated with a substance called suberin, making them impermeable to water and forming the outermost protective layer of bark.
In summary, vascular cambium is responsible for producing secondary vascular tissues (secondary xylem and secondary phloem) and is involved in secondary growth, while cork cambium produces cork cells and contributes to the formation of periderm, which is a protective layer on the outside of stems and roots. Both tissues play vital roles in the growth, protection, and overall functioning of woody plants.