Question

Cork cambium represents

• A. secondary meristem
• B. primary meristem
• C. intercalary meristem
• D. apical meristem

Answer 1

The correct option is A secondary meristem

Meristems are classified based on the nature of the cells they originate from.
If the cells directly originate from the embryonic cells, then the meristem is known as primary meristem. Embryonic cells are meristematic and give rise to the primary permanent tissues of the plant and are responsible for the primary growth of the plant. The fascicular cambium is a primary meristem derived from the apical meristem.

If the cells of the meristem originated from cells that had differentiated and again resumed meristematic activity, the meristem is known as secondary meristem. Cork cambium is an example of the secondary meristem as it arises from the parenchymatous cells which have resumed its meristematic activity. It is responsible for the secondary growth of the plants which includes the increase in the girth of the plant axis.

Intercalary meristems are the leftover cells of the apical meristems and are responsible for the elongation of the internodes. It is responsible for the increase in the length of the plants.

Apical meristems are found in the root and shoot apex and are responsible for the increase in the length of the plant axis.