Question

In a dicot stem, secondary growth occurs due to the activity of

• A. Apical meristem
• B. Lateral meristem
• C. Cork
• D. Bark

Answer 1

The correct option is B Lateral meristem

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. In a dicot stem, secondary growth occurs both in the stele and cortex. The process occurs simultaneously but is caused by separate strips of secondary meristem. In the stele, secondary growth is initiated by vascular cambium, while in the cortex, it is initiated by cork cambium. Thus, option B is correct.