Question

Girth of dicot stem increases by the activity of

• A. Apical meristem
• B. Intercalary meristem
• C. Lateral meristem
• D. Procambium

Answer 1

The correct option is C Lateral meristem

Secondary growth refers to the growth that results from cell division in the cambia or lateral meristems and that causes the stems and roots to thicken. Secondary growth occurs in most seed plants, but monocots usually lack secondary growth.

In many vascular plants, secondary growth is the result of the activity of the two lateral meristems, the cork cambium and vascular cambium. Arising from lateral meristems, secondary growth increases the girth of the plant root or stem, rather than its length. As long as the lateral meristems continue to produce new cells, the stem or root will continue to grow in diameter. In woody plants, this process produces wood and shapes the plant into a tree with a thickened trunk.