Choose the correctly matched pair.a)Apical meristem - Increases girth ...
- Option A: Apical meristem - Increases girth of stem This is incorrect. Apical meristem is located at the growing tips of stems and roots and is responsible for the increase in length, not girth.
- Option B: Lateral meristem - Increases length of stem This is incorrect. Lateral meristem, such as the cambium, is responsible for the increase in the girth (thickness) of the stem, not the length.
- Option C: Intercalary meristem - Located at the growing tips of stems This is incorrect. Intercalary meristem is located near the nodes of the plant and helps in the growth of the internodes (the stem segments between nodes), not at the growing tips.
- Option D: Apical meristem - Located at the growing tips of stems This is correct. Apical meristem is found at the tips of stems and roots and is responsible for the vertical growth of the plant.
- Therefore, the correctly matched pair is Option D: Apical meristem - Located at the growing tips of stems.
Choose the correctly matched pair.a)Apical meristem - Increases girth ...
Understanding Apical Meristem
The apical meristem is a crucial part of plant growth and development. It plays a significant role in how plants grow upwards and is essential for the elongation of stems and roots.
Location and Function
- Located at the Tips: The apical meristem is found at the tips of stems and roots.
- Primary Growth: It is responsible for primary growth, which increases the length of the plant.
Characteristics of Apical Meristem
- Cell Division: Composed of actively dividing cells that enable the plant to grow taller.
- Types of Cells: It gives rise to primary tissues, including the epidermis, cortex, and vascular tissues.
Comparison with Other Meristems
- Lateral Meristem: Increases the girth or thickness of the plant (not length), found in the vascular cambium and cork cambium.
- Intercalary Meristem: Located at the nodes and base of leaves, mainly responsible for the growth of internodes.
Conclusion
Thus, option 'D' is correct because the apical meristem is specifically located at the growing tips of stems and roots, facilitating vertical growth. Understanding the roles of different types of meristems is key to grasping how plants develop and thrive.