AIIMS2008BotanyMorphology of Flowering Plants
The cells of the quiescent centre are characterised by
Options
- Ahaving dense cytoplasm and prominent nuclei
- Bhaving light cytoplasm and small nuclei
- Cdividing regularly to add to the corpus
- Ddividing regularly to add to tunica
Correct answer
B. having light cytoplasm and small nuclei
Step-by-step solution
In the apices of some roots, (e.g., Zea mays, maize), there is a central region of cells which normally does not divide. This central inactive region was called quiescent centre by F.A.L. Clowes (1959,1961) . The cells of this region have lesser amounts of RNA and DNA so they have small nuclei. These cells also have a lower rate of protein synthesis. Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are less developed. The cells of the quiescent centre are usually inactive. However, if already existing meristematic cells are