Question

Which of the following characteristics are correct with respect to meristematic cells?
I. Cells with dense cytoplasm and prominent nucleus
II. Presence of well developed mitochondria and plastids
III.Absence of the property of cell division
IV.Regeneration of parts removed by grazing herbivores
V. Cell derivatives of shoot apical meristem constitute the axillary buds

• A. I, II, V
• B. I, II, III
• C. II, III, IV
• D. I, IV, V

Answer 1

The correct option is D I, IV, V

Plant tissues are classified based on whether the cells are capable of dividing or not, into meristematic tissues and permanent tissues. Meristematic cells divide actively and permanent do not generally divide further.

The characteristics of meristematic tissues are:

• They have cells with dense cytoplasm and a prominent nucleus.
• Meristematic cells have discrete mitochondria as the cells are actively dividing and have high energy requirement. Plastids are not fully differentiated and are generally present in the form of proplastids.
• Plants are often exposed to herbivores which may cause damage. Meristem present between mature tissues is called intercalary meristem occurs in grasses and is capable of regenerating parts removed by the grazing herbivores.
• Cell derivatives of shoot apical meristem constitute the root apical meristem and the shoot apical meristem. During leaf formation and stem elongation, some cells from shoot apical meristem are left behind which constitute the axillary bud.