Explanation:

Damage to the apical meristem of a plant will affect the upward growth of the plant since it is the apical meristem that is present in tip portion of shoot, roots and leaves .If apical meristem is damaged or removed from the plant, then the growth of the plant will stop. As this is required for the growth and the elongation of the roots, of the stem and increases the length of the plant. If it is cut then the growth will gradually stop within the plant.