Question

Consider the following statements:
(i) Mostly lateral meristems originate from the promeristem
(ii) By the activity of intercalary meristem length of the leaves increases
(iii) Cells of meristematic tissues possess abundant reserve food

Which of the statement(s) is/are true?

• A. (i) and (iii)
• B. (ii) and (iii)
• C. only (ii)
• D. (i), (ii) and (iii)

Answer 1

The correct option is C only (ii)

Lateral meristems occur laterally in the axis, parallel to the sides of stems and roots. The vascular cambium and cork cambium are examples of lateral meristems and are forund in dicot plants and gymnosperms. These tissues arise from the primary permanent tissues during secondary growth and are responsible for the addition of secondary tissues which increase the girth of the plant. Primary meristems such as apical, intercalary and intrafascicular cambium arise from the procambium. Thus statement (i) is false.

Intercalary meristems are portions of the apical meristems which are separated from the apex during longitudinal growth of the axis and formation of permanent tissues. These are found at the base of leaves and are responsible for the increase in length of leaves. Thus statement (ii) is true.

Meristematic tissues are made up 0f actively dividing cells which either lack vacuoles or have very small sized vacuoles. As these cells are metabolically highly active hence they lack reserve food. Thus statement (iii) is false.