NEETBotanyPlant - Growth and Development
Which of the following combinations of cellular characteristics correctly describes the cells in the meristematic phase of plant growth?
Options
- AThick secondary cell walls, rich protoplasm, and increased vacuolation
- BThin primary cellulosic cell walls, large conspicuous nuclei, and maximal wall thickening
- CRich protoplasm, large conspicuous nuclei, thin primary cellulosic cell walls, and abundant plasmodesmata
- DAbundant plasmodesmatal connections, increased vacuolation, and new cell wall deposition
Correct answer
C. Rich protoplasm, large conspicuous nuclei, thin primary cellulosic cell walls, and abundant plasmodesmata
Step-by-step solution
According to NCERT, the cells in the meristematic phase of growth are constantly dividing. They are characterised by being rich in protoplasm and possessing large conspicuous nuclei. Their cell walls are primary in nature, thin, and cellulosic with abundant plasmodesmatal connections. Increased vacuolation and new cell wall deposition are features of the elongation phase. Maximal wall thickening is a characteristic feature of the maturation phase. Therefore, only the combination of rich protoplasm, large conspicuou