Question

In virus-infected plants the meristematic tissues in both apical and axillary buds are free of virus because

• A. viruses cannot multiply within meristem cell(s)
• B. meristems have antiviral compounds
• C. the dividing cells are virus resistant
  
• D. the cell division of meristems are faster than the rate of viral multiplication

Answer 1

The correct option is D the cell division of meristems are faster than the rate of viral multiplication

Meristem free of virus:
Meristems are region found in the growing point of a plant that has actively dividing cells (meristematic cells).Virus needs host replication mechanism to replicate, divides at a slower rate and it cannot multiply inside an actively dividing cell. Thus, meristematic tissues in both apical and axillary buds are free of virus.

Final answer: c. the cell division of meristems are faster than the rate of viral multiplication.