Question

In roots, the pericycle gives rise to:

• A. Lateral roots and cork cambium
• B. Cortex and pith
• C. Xylem and phloem
• D. Epidermis and vascular bundles

Answer 1

The correct option is A Lateral roots and cork cambium

Pericycle is a primary tissue of plant roots and is the site for the initiation of lateral roots and two secondary meristems, the vascular cambium and cork cambium (phellogen).

The pericycle is a cylinder of parenchyma or sclerenchyma cells that lies just inside the endodermis and is the outer most part of the stele of plants. Although it is composed of non-vascular parenchyma cells, it is still considered part of the vascular cylinder, because it arises from the procambium as do the vascular tissues it surrounds.

In dicots, it also has the capacity to produce lateral roots. Branch roots arise from this primary meristem tissue. In plants undergoing secondary growth, the pericycle contributes to the vascular cambium often diverging into a cork cambium

So, the correct answer is 'Lateral roots and cork cambium'