Question

In plants, growth is

• A. restricted to certain regions or structures
• B. irreversible
• C. change in size
• D. all the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D all the above

Growth can be defined as a permanent or irreversible increase in the dry weight, size, mass or volume of a cell, organ or organism. Generally, it is accompanied by both anabolic and catabolic processes. Growth of plants is exceptional because they retain the ability of unlimited growth throughout their lifetime.

In plants, growth is accomplished by cell division, increase in cell number and cell enlargement. In lower plants, growth is diffused as every cell can divide and enlarge.

Higher plants possess specific areas which take part in the formation of new cells. These are called meristems. This form of growth where there is addition of new cells to the plant body by the activity of meristematic cells is called open form of growth.

Plant growth is localized because of the meristems. Cells of the meristematic tissue have the ability to divide and self perpetuate.