Answer:

The growth and development of a leaf primordium into the adult leaf lamina is a complex process that involves the activity of different meristems. The correct option is D, which states that the leaf primordium initially grows through the apical meristem and later largely through the marginal meristems.

Apical Meristem:
The apical meristem is located at the tip of the shoot or root and is responsible for primary growth in plants. It produces new cells through cell division, which leads to the elongation of the plant. In the case of leaf development, the leaf primordium starts as a small bump or outgrowth from the apical meristem. As the apical meristem continues to grow and divide, it provides cells for the elongation and expansion of the leaf primordium.

Marginal Meristems:
The marginal meristems are located at the edges or margins of the leaf primordium. These meristems are responsible for the growth and differentiation of the leaf lamina, which is the flat, expanded part of the leaf. The marginal meristems produce new cells that contribute to the increase in leaf size and the formation of leaf structures such as veins and leaf margins.

Process of Leaf Development:
1. Initiation: The leaf primordium is initiated as a small outgrowth from the apical meristem.
2. Elongation: The apical meristem provides cells for the elongation of the leaf primordium, causing it to increase in length.
3. Expansion: As the leaf primordium elongates, the marginal meristems become active and contribute to the growth and expansion of the leaf lamina.
4. Vein Formation: The marginal meristems produce cells that differentiate into veins, which provide support and transport nutrients and water throughout the leaf.
5. Differentiation: The cells produced by the marginal meristems differentiate into specialized cell types, such as palisade mesophyll cells for photosynthesis and epidermal cells for protection.
6. Maturation: The leaf primordium matures into the adult leaf lamina, which is fully expanded and functional.

In summary, the growth of a leaf primordium into the adult leaf lamina involves the initial contribution of the apical meristem for elongation and the subsequent involvement of the marginal meristems for expansion, vein formation, differentiation, and maturation.