Question

Which one of the following is not a lateral meristem?
A. Intercalary meristem
B. Intrafascicular cambium
C. Interfascicular cambium
D. Phellogen

Answer 1

Hint:- Meristematic tissue is the type of tissue found in plants at the points of growth such as the root and shoot tips. Meristematic tissue consists of undifferentiated cells. These cells are capable of cell division. Lateral meristem is the type of meristematic tissue that is placed in parallel to the circumference of the plant.

Complete answer:
When the cells of the lateral meristem divide, it leads to an increase in the diameter of the plant that is its girth. This lateral growth is a type of secondary growth. The intercalary meristem is responsible for the growth of the plant along its length. The meristematic cells of the intercalary meristem divide mitotically resulting in growth at the end of the nodes.
Fascicular cambium is formed from the procambial cells present in the vascular bundles. Intrafascicular cambium is present between the xylem and phloem in the vascular bundles. It is a part of the primary meristem.
Interfascicular cambium is the type of meristematic tissue that arises from parenchyma cells present in the vascular bundles. It is responsible for the secondary thickening of the plant through rapid division.
Phellogen is also known as the cork cambium. It is present between the cork and the phloem. It is a type of lateral meristem and contributes to the secondary growth of the plant. It is a part of the epidermis of the plant.

Thus the correct answer is Option (A) - Intercalary meristem.

Note:- Once the tissue differentiates, it is no more capable of dividing. It forms a permanent tissue. The growth rendered by the intercalary meristem is a type of primary growth. Intercalary meristem is present at the base of stems which is the point of maximum growth in plants.