Q.9 Indeterminate growth in plants is due to the presence of perpetually
undifferentiated tissues, called as ______.
(A) Tracheids
(B) Meristems
(C) Parenchyma
(D) Sclerenchyma

Indeterminate Growth in Plants: Meristems Explained

Indeterminate growth allows plants to continue developing throughout their lives due to perpetually undifferentiated tissues known as meristems. The correct answer to the query is (B) Meristems.

Correct Answer

** (B) Meristems **
Meristems consist of undifferentiated cells that divide continuously, enabling indefinite growth at root and shoot tips in plants. This perpetual activity distinguishes plant growth from determinate growth in animals.

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Option Explanations

(A) Tracheids

Tracheids are elongated, dead cells in xylem tissue that conduct water and provide structural support. They are fully differentiated and do not divide, so they cannot sustain indeterminate growth.

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(B) Meristems

Meristems are regions of perpetually undifferentiated, actively dividing cells acting like plant stem cells. Apical, intercalary, and lateral meristems drive primary and secondary growth indefinitely.

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(C) Parenchyma

Parenchyma forms ground tissue with thin-walled, living cells for storage, photosynthesis, or secretion. These cells are differentiated permanent tissues and lack division capacity for ongoing growth.

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(D) Sclerenchyma

Sclerenchyma provides mechanical strength with thick-walled, lignified, dead cells like fibers and sclereids. As permanent tissues, they offer support but do not contribute to indeterminate growth.

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