Apical and Intercalary Meristem in Primary Plant Body Formation

The primary plant body is the part of the plant that grows above the ground and consists of stems, leaves, and flowers. This body is formed by the apical and intercalary meristem.

Apical Meristem:

- The apical meristem is located at the tips of the roots and shoots.
- It is responsible for the primary growth of the plant, including the elongation of the plant body and the formation of new leaves and branches.
- The cells in the apical meristem divide rapidly, producing daughter cells that differentiate into different types of tissues.

Intercalary Meristem:

- The intercalary meristem is located in the middle of the stem or leaf.
- It is responsible for the elongation of the stem or leaf and the formation of new internodes.
- The cells in the intercalary meristem divide rapidly, adding new cells to the stem or leaf.

Both the apical and intercalary meristem contribute to the formation of the primary plant body by adding new cells and tissues. The apical meristem produces new cells at the tips of the roots and shoots, while the intercalary meristem produces new cells in the middle of the stem or leaf. Together, these meristems allow the plant to grow and develop into its mature form.

The meristem is a type of tissue in plants that is responsible for growth and development. It is the site of active cell division, leading to the formation of new tissues and organs. There are three main types of meristem in plants: the apical meristem, the intercalary meristem, and the lateral meristem.

- Apical meristem: This type of meristem is located at the tips of roots and shoots. It is responsible for primary growth, which results in an increase in the length of the plant body. The cells produced by the apical meristem differentiate into various types of tissues, such as epidermis, cortex, and vascular tissue.

- Intercalary meristem: This type of meristem is found in certain regions of the plant body, such as the nodes of grasses. It is responsible for the elongation of internodes and the production of new leaves.

- Lateral meristem: This type of meristem is located along the sides of the plant body. It is responsible for secondary growth, which results in an increase in the girth of the plant. The lateral meristem produces two types of tissues: the vascular cambium, which forms secondary xylem and phloem, and the cork cambium, which forms the outer bark of the plant.

The primary plant body is the part of the plant that is derived from the apical meristem. It includes the roots, stems, and leaves. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option 'A': both apical and intercalary meristem contribute to the formation of the primary plant body. The apical meristem produces the primary meristems, which in turn give rise to the various tissues and organs of the plant body. The intercalary meristem contributes to the elongation of the plant body, particularly in grasses.