AIIMS2003BotanyAnatomy of Flowering Plants
The quiescent centre in root meristem serves as a
Options
- Asite for storage of food which is utilized during maturation
- Breservoir of growth hormones
- Creserve for replenishment of damaged cells of the meristem
- Dregion for absorption of water.
Correct answer
C. reserve for replenishment of damaged cells of the meristem
Step-by-step solution
A zone of inactive cells is present in the central part of the root apex called quiscent centre. It is a hemispherical region of inactive cells present in between the root cap and the active meristematic region of root apex. This zone contains several hundred cells which are characterized by having lower concentration of DNA, RNA and protein. The quiescent centre acts as reservoir of cells and becomes active whenever the previously active initials get damaged or during the establishment of the secondary roots.