Tunica Corpus Theory:

After the rejection of apical cell theory and Histogen theory(by Hanstein, 1868, 1870),
A. Schmidt (1924) proposed the Tunica-Corpus theory based on the
observations on angiosperm shoot apex.
According to this theory- the initial region of apical meristem consists
of -
(i) The Tunica- one or more peripheral layers of cell that divide
in planes perpendicular to the surface of meristem (i.e. anticlinal divisions)
and
(ii) the Corpus- a body of cells several layers deep in which the
cells divide in various planes.

Tunica:
Tunica as defined previously is the peripheral tissue zone of shoot apex which are
charecterised by anticlinal divisions as a result tunica grows as a sheet (surface growth) comprising
of smaller and more regularly arranged cells.
No. of layers: Tunica may be one layered (i.e. called monostratose tunica) or many layered (i.e.
multistratose tunica, as seen in Xanthorrhoea media which shows 10 – 18 layered tunica), but most
often 1-9 layered in angiosperms (1-5 in dicot and 1-4 in monocots). Although majority of
angiosperm exhibits two layered tunica (L1 and L2) overarching the Corpus (L3).
Initial cells: Each layer of tunica arises from a small group of separate initial cells i.e. the number
of tiers of initial cells is equal to the number of layers of tunica.
Divisions: Periclinal division normally absent in tunica except at the point of origin of leaf
primordium and axillary bud. However, Zea mays, Agropyron repens, Chlorogalum pomeridianum
shows periclinal divisions in tunica. Therefore some anatomist use the term Tunica srictly to
address the layers undergoing anticlinal division only, and some ise tunica in loose sense where they
suggest it may undergo periclinal division peridically.
Cytohistogical zonation: There are two cytologically recognisable zones in tunica- (a) Central
apical zone- consisting of one or few initials which are larger cells with enlarged nucleus and
vaculoes therefore lightly stained and (b) the region on sides of apex between initials and leaf
primordia.
Functionality: The main function of tunica is to give rise epidermis, sometimes the inner layers of
tunica may form cortex and even vascular tissue.
Corpus:
The inner zone of cells which comprising of larger and happazardly arranged cells
undergoing cell divisions in various planes referred as corpus.
Initial cells: The initial cells of Corpus arranged just below the tunica which arises independently
and undergoes periclinal division first and then the resulted derivative cells undergoes cell division
in various planes.
Cytohistological zonation: Popham (1952) illustrated several zonation in corpus layers of
angiosperms, commonly reffered by Fahn as
A) Ususal angiosperm type: which refers to 3 zones- (a) Zone of Central mother cells- the
uppermost zone i.e. corpus initials; (b) Pith-rib meristem- below the central mother cells; (c)
Peripheral meristem (flank meristem): that surrounds the abover two. Another type named as-
B) Opuntia type- which is seen in Opuntia
cylindrica, Phoenix dactylifera, Bougainvillea
spectabilis etc., an additional cambium like
transitional zone is seen between central mother cell
and peripheral meristem.

Functionality: Central mother cells being composed of initial cells are precusor of two other zones.
The rib meristem usually becomes pith after additional meristimatic activity has occured. Peripheral
meristem (flank meristem) is the most active meristem (hence also called Eumeristem) which forms
leaf primordia.

Körper-Kappe Theory:
Excepting apical cell theory (by Nageli) [which is confined to vascular cryptogams only]
and Histogen theory (by Hanstein, 1868, 1870) by which root apical meristem can be explained,
Schüepp (1917) proposed the Körper- kappe (body-cap) theory which explains the growth of root
tips recognising the two system of cell seriation with refernce to the planes of cell division in its
parts.

The theory emphasised the planes of cell divisions that are responsible for the increase in
number of vertical cell files in meristematic region of roots. Many of the cell divides in two where a
cell divides transversely; then one of the two new cell divides longitudinally and each daughter cell
of this division becomes the source of a new file. The combination of the transverse and the
longitudinal divisions results in an approximately T- (or Y- ) shaped wall pattern and hence known
as T divisions.The direction of the top stroke ( horizontal bar) of the T varries in different root parts.
In the cap it is directed toward the base of the root (inverted T), in the body toward the apex (T).
Körper(body): In the Körper the initial cell first divides by transverse partition and forms two
cells. The daughter cell which faces the base of the root, i.e. away from the apex inherits the initial
function. It divides longitudinally and two
daughter cells thusd formed have the
potentiality of cell division. The daughter
cells divide by transverse partitions followed
by longitudinal partitions. When transverse
and longitudinal partitions sre viewed
together the cell wall from a configuration
resembling an inverted ‘T’.

Kappe (cap): In the kappe the initial cell

first divides transverely and forms two cells.
The daughter cell that faces the root apex
inherits the initial function. It divides
longitudinally. The two cells thus formed
have the capability of cell division. When
transverse and lognitudinal partition are
viewed together the combined cell wall
appears as T that is right-way-up. When such
division continues it is observed that a
singled rowed region is left behind a double
rowed region.

There are two types of apical organisation in angiosperms, the closed and open. In open type all
tissues of root except the central cylinder generated from a
common meristematic group of cells that are situated on the
periphery of the abovementioned central group of cells. In closed
type there are three tiers or layers of initial cells (i.e. called
temporary initials in contrast to the central cells which is called
permanent initials). One group of such layer gives rise to meristem
of vascular cylinder in all cases. Depending on plants the second
layer of temporary initial gives rise to meristem of cortex only
and third layer into meristem of protoderm and root cap as seen
in Brassica or in other cases the second layer gives rise to
meristem of cortex and protoderm and third only root cap as
seen in Zea. So in the later case root cap arises from its own
initials that constitute root cap meristem called Calyptrogen.
Whereas in the first type root cap and epidermis have common
origin, and the concerned cell layer called dermatocalyptrogen.

The Körper-Kappe zones exhibit clear boundary when they originate from separate initial, e.g. root
with calyptrogen. The sharp demarcation is absent when they originate from same initial cell. In
root with dermatocalyptrogen the cap extends into protoderm.

In some roots the central part of root cap is distinct from the peripheral part where the cells are
arranged in longitudinal files. These cells seldom divide. When division occurs the partition walls
form the configuration of an inverted ‘T’ that is observed in Körper. The ‘T’ has normal
configuration in the peripheral region of root cap. If conspicous enough, such a core is reffered as
Columella.