Question

Length of different internodes in culm of sugarcane is variable due to _______.

• A. Shoot apical meristem
• B. Position of axillary buds
• C. Intercalary meristem
• D. Size of leaf lamina at the node below each internode

Answer 1

The correct option is C Intercalary meristem

• Internode is the length of the stem between two nodes.
  
• The shoots can be categorized as long shoots and short shoots (on the basis of the distance between two nodes).
  
• The variable length of internodes in culm of sugarcane is mainly due to the presence of intercalary meristem (residual apical meristem).
• An intercalary meristem is the meristems present at the base of the internodes or at the base of nodes of stem or leaf.
  
• It helps in the elongation and growth of the plants at the nodes and internodes (stems and leaves) which enables longitudinal growth of the stem and leaves ( as in grasses).
• So, the correct answer is 'Intercalary meristem'.