Direction: In the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) i...
Lateral meristems are present along the side of the stem. Vascular cambium in the gymnosperms and the angiosperms is a good example of lateral meristems. Lateral meristem is always composed of a single layer of rectangular cells that divide only in one plane and produce new vascular tissues on either side.
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Direction: In the following questions, a statement of assertion (A) i...
Assertion : Lateral meristems add thickness of plants.
Reason : Lateral meristems divide only in one plane.
Explanation:
Lateral meristems are a type of meristem found in the lateral regions of plants, such as the cambium. Meristems are regions of actively dividing cells that contribute to the growth of plants. The two main types of meristems are apical meristems and lateral meristems.
1. Lateral meristems add thickness of plants:
- The main function of lateral meristems is to add thickness or girth to the plant. They are responsible for the secondary growth of plants, which leads to an increase in the width or diameter of the plant.
- Lateral meristems produce new cells in a radial pattern, adding layers of cells to the plant's stem or root. This results in the overall increase in thickness of the plant.
2. Lateral meristems divide only in one plane:
- The reason provided in the statement is incorrect. Lateral meristems, such as the cambium, actually divide in two planes: the radial plane (perpendicular to the stem or root) and the tangential plane (parallel to the stem or root).
- The radial division of cells adds new cells to the inner side of the stem or root, while the tangential division adds new cells to the outer side.
- This dual-plane division allows for the increase in girth and thickness of the plant.
In conclusion, both the assertion and the reason are true, but the reason does not correctly explain the assertion. Lateral meristems do add thickness to plants, but they divide in two planes, not just one. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B': Both assertion (A) and reason (R) are true but reason (R) is not the correct explanation of assertion (A).