Question

Rate of respiration in plants is highest in

• A. dormant seeds
• B. apical meristem
• C. old leaves
• D. dry tissue

Answer 1

The correct option is B apical meristem

The region where the cells are actively dividing and promoting the growth of plants is meristem. The meristem found at the growing tips of the plant is called apical meristem. The apical meristem cells require a high amount of energy as they are continuously dividing. Thus the rate of respiration is highest in apical meristem.

Solubility of respiratory enzymes decreases in the aging tissues, hence older leaves have lower rate of respiration.

Dry tissue has lower respiration than the hydrated tissue.

There is a lack of germination in dormant seeds hence the rate of respiration is low.