Question

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

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

Answer 1

The correct option is D All the above

Growth at a cellular level is principally a consequence of an increase in the amount of protoplasm. Growth is, measured by a variety of parameters such as

(i) Increase in length, e.g., stem, root, pollen tube.

(ii) Increase in volume e.g., fruits.

(iii) Increase in the area, e.g., leaves.

(iv) Increase in diameter, e.g., tree trunks, fruits.

(v) Increase in fresh. or dry weight.

One single maize root apical meristem can give rise to more than 17,500 new cells per hour, whereas cells in a watermelon may increase in size by unto 3,50,000 times. In the former, growth is expressed as an increase in cell number; the latter expresses growth as an increase in the size of the cell.

So the correct answer is 'All the above'.