Which one of the following tissues is responsible for increase of girt...
In vascular plants, the lateral meristem is one of two meristems in which growth occurs in order to increase stem girth. A meristem is the region of plant tissue found on the tips of roots and shoots. It is where cell division occurs to produce new growth.
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Which one of the following tissues is responsible for increase of girt...
The correct answer is option 'D' - Lateral meristem.
Explanation:
The increase in girth or thickness of the stem of a plant is primarily due to the activity of lateral meristem. Lateral meristem is a type of meristematic tissue that is responsible for secondary growth in plants.
1. Definition of lateral meristem:
- Lateral meristem is a type of meristematic tissue that adds secondary growth to the plant body, resulting in an increase in girth or thickness of stems and roots.
- It is also known as secondary meristem.
2. Types of lateral meristem:
- There are two types of lateral meristem: vascular cambium and cork cambium.
- Vascular cambium is responsible for the production of secondary xylem (wood) towards the inner side and secondary phloem towards the outer side.
- Cork cambium is responsible for the production of cork cells (bark) towards the outer side.
3. Activity of lateral meristem:
- The vascular cambium and cork cambium are present in the stems of woody plants.
- The vascular cambium actively divides to produce new cells.
- The division of vascular cambium cells results in the formation of secondary xylem towards the center of the stem and secondary phloem towards the outer side.
- The secondary xylem adds to the thickness of the stem and provides mechanical support.
- The secondary phloem transports organic compounds produced by the leaves to other parts of the plant.
4. Significance of lateral meristem:
- The activity of lateral meristem allows plants to increase their girth, which is important for structural support and transport of nutrients.
- It is responsible for the formation of annual rings in tree trunks, which can provide information about the age and growth rate of a tree.
In conclusion, the increase in girth or thickness of the stem in a plant is primarily due to the activity of lateral meristem, specifically the vascular cambium and cork cambium. These meristems produce secondary xylem and phloem, adding to the thickness of the stem and allowing for increased structural support and nutrient transport.