Question

Lenticels and its complementary cells are developed through the activity of

• A. Phellogen
• B. Stelar cambium
• C. Dermatogen
• D. Intercalary meristem

Answer 1

The correct option is A Phellogen

Lenticels originate beneath stomata, simultaneous with the initiation of the first layer or periderm or just before the initiation of periderm, during first growing season. As the lenticels formation starts, the parenchyma cells found near substomatal cavity lose their chlorophyll content and irregularly divide in different plants giving rise to a mass of colourless, rounded, thin walled, loosely arranged cells called as complementary cells.
Some times complementary cells produced by phellogen towards outside instead of producing cork cells. As the complementary cells increase in number, pressure is exerted against the epidermis and it ruptures. Outer most cells gradually become dead and may replaced by cork cells. Beneath the outer layer some mass of closely packed cells alternate to loosely arranged cells are formed called as closing layer. From inner side continuous production of complementary cells cause rupture of closing layer at intervals. So, lenticels and its complementary cells are developed through the activity of phellogen and not of steler cambium, dermatogen and intercalary meristem.