Question

Select the inappropriate statement pertaining to meristems:

• A. Meristematic cells are capable of division
• B. All the daughter cells originating from a meristematic cell lose their capacity to divide
• C. Meristem functions are not limited to increasing the plant length
• D. Meristems can be inactive

Answer 1

The correct option is B All the daughter cells originating from a meristematic cell lose their capacity to divide

Meristematic cells are the cells that have the ability to divide continuously. They are found in the apical growing regions of a plant. Apical growing regions in plants include root apex and shoot apex. Division of these cells in the apical regions of roots and shoot leads to increase in the vertical length of the plant. This increase in length is considered to be vertical or longitudinal growth in plants.

Meristematic cells can divide and re-divide mitotically. Some of the daughter cells may become normal non-meristematic cells and lose their capacity to divide over a period of time, but some daughter cells retain the meristematic property and they self perpetuate. Not all daughter cells lose their ability to divide.

Meristems not only increase the plant length, but also aid in increasing the girth. Secondary or lateral meristems help in increasing girth of the plant/tree. This is considered to be lateral growth and is basically a result of the activity of cambium which is a secondary meristem.

Meristems can be dormant under certain unfavourable conditions. For example, in winter they can be relatively inactive and get activated in summer.