NEETBotanyAnatomy of Flowering Plants
While observing the transverse section of a dicot root, a student identifies a few layers of thick-walled parenchymatous cells lying immediately next to the inner side of the endodermis. Which of the following correctly describes a physiological role or derivative of this specific tissue layer?
Options
- AIt is impervious to water due to the deposition of waxy suberin.
- BIt is responsible for the initiation of lateral roots and vascular cambium.
- CIt acts as the primary site for the storage of reserve food materials.
- DIt forms unicellular tubular extensions to increase the surface area for water absorption.
Correct answer
B. It is responsible for the initiation of lateral roots and vascular cambium.
Step-by-step solution
The tissue layer described as a few layers of thick-walled parenchymatous cells lying next to the inner side of the endodermis in a dicot root is the pericycle. According to NCERT, the cells of the pericycle are responsible for the initiation of lateral roots and the vascular cambium during secondary growth. The layer that is impervious to water due to suberin deposition (Casparian strips) is the endodermis. The primary site for food storage is the general cortex. The layer forming unicellular tubular extensions (r