Question

Growth can be measured in various ways. Which of these can be used as parameters to measure growth?

• A. Increase in length and weight
• B. All the above
• C. Increase in cell number
• D. Increase in cell size

Answer 1

The correct option is B All the above

Growth:

Growth is the most fundamental characteristic of living beings. It is characterised by an irreversible, permanent increase in the size of

• an individual cell
• an organ or its parts
• an organism

over a period of time.

Parameters for growth:

Growth is measured by a number of parameters like increase in cell number, dry weight, fresh weight, length, area and volume etc.

• Number: Measuring the increase in the number of cells is a parameter to measure the growth. This is easily observed in algae, plant cells growing in a culture.
• Weight: The weight of the plant helps us in determining the growth in plants. There are two types of weight taken into consideration:
  • Fresh weight: Weight of tissues along with water content.
  • Dry weight: Weight of tissues without the water content.
• Length: Increase in the length due to cell division and elongation represents growth, for example, pollen tube of the germinating pollen.

Final answer: d. All the above.