Question

The growth of tendril in pea plants is due to

• A. Effect of light
• B. Effect of gravity
• C. Rapid cell divisions in tendrillar cells that are away from the support
• D. Rapid cell division in tendrillar cells in contact with the support

Answer 1

The correct option is C Rapid cell divisions in tendrillar cells that are away from the support

The growth of tendril in pea plants is due to rapid cell divisions in tendrillar cells that are away from the support. A tendril is a slender stem- or petiole-like structure that is used by vines and lianas (climbing plants) to wrap around or to hook a support. Although we often think of tendrils attaching a climber to a more sturdy host plant, quite regularly tendrils also form strong linkages within their own stems on the vine (Example: grape ivy, Cissus rhombifolia), forming a tangled or fishnet-like shoot.
The tendril is, in most cases, a flexible modified shoot, for example, a modified leaf or portion of a leaf, for which thin blade never forms while the central axis elongates greatly via apical and especially intercalary growth. When a tendril comes into contact with a support, there is faster growth for cells on the opposite side so that the tendril rapidly forms a coil around support, and making a tendril look like a watch spring.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.