Question

The inclusion like raphides, druses and sphaeraphides can be mainly found in which of the following cells?

• A. Prokaryotic
• B. Protozoan cells
• C. Hygrophytic plant cells
• D. Xerophytic plant cells

Answer 1

The correct option is D Xerophytic plant cells

Plant cells sometimes form mineral crystals. Calcium carbonate occurs as a mass of crystals around a cellulose core to form cystolith (eg, leaf of Banyan). In several plants, calcium oxalate forms needle-like raphides, prismatic crystals, star-shaped sphaeraphides or Druses or powdery mass named as crystal sand.

Xerophytes, in general, possess hypertonic cell sap and have higher mineral content which favours accumulation and formation of inorganic crystals.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.