Question

Pericycle in roots produces
A. Mechanical support
B. Lateral roots
C. Vascular bundles
D. Adventitious buds

Answer 1

Pericycle is a continuous process of root to produce lateral root. It helps in the secondary growth of roots. It is a continuous layer but exceptions are there in some monocots the layer of Pericycle is interrupted by xylem and phloem. Pericycle cells mainly provide support, structure, and protection for the plant. The xylem and phloem in the stem are surrounded by Pericycle cells.

Complete step by step answer: Pericycle tissue helps in the secondary roots system, it initiates the lateral roots and as well as play a key role in the development of these roots. It is a primary tissue which maintains the meristematic activity.
Pericycle gives rise to secondary meristem in roots
-Vascular cambium
-Cork cambium
Pericycle mainly works in dicot roots in which vascular cambium is completely secondary in origin. Pericycle is a layer of nonvascular tissue that surrounds the vascular tissues in the roots of plants. Pericycle forms a collection of the vascular tissue in stems and roots and it is surrounded by the inner cortical layer endodermis.
In monocots epicycles work differently. It does not form cambium; it only produces lateral roots. Pericycle is made up of thin walled parenchyma cells in the young root but later it becomes thick walled in many monocots. It is the layer or seat of origin of lateral roots and cork cambium. So, roots branches are called endogenous in origin.
Pericycle is a unique layer of cells that is surrounded by endodermis, cortex, and epidermis. Pericycle performs various functions in loading xylem, etc. it is also essential for initiation of lateral roots initiation and lateral involvement in secondary growth.
As explained above we have reached the conclusion that Pericycles in roots produce lateral roots.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: Pericycle is the inner mass of the cells present in plant cells. In Arabidopsis thaliana, initiation of lateral roots occurs at xylem poles while it takes place at the phloem poles in the maize. Neighboring tissues such as endodermis and vascular provide positional information. The overlying layer possibly acts as a protective coat and signaling buffer mediating interactions with the rhizosphere. Pericycle cells also known as founder cells.