Question

Stem of date palm increases in girth due to activity of:

• A. Intercalary meristem
• B. Apical meristem
• C. Lateral meristem
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B Apical meristem

Date palm is a monocot and lack lateral meristem; the meristem present along the sides causing the increase in girth of the plant.

Apical meristem is present at the tips of root and shoot and give rise to primary permanent tissue systems. The apical meristem causes increase in height of the date palm from growing tips. The apical meristem is modified to form temporary meristem which serves the function of lateral meristem, divide and produce new cells. Enlargement of these peripheral cells cause increase in girth of the date palm.

The apical meristem, which is separated from apices due to formation of permanent tissues in between, is termed as intercalary meristem; it is internodal in position and carries out localized growth.

Thus, the correct answer is option (B).