Question

Cork cambium and vascular cambium are

• A. parts of secondary xylem and phloem
• B. parts of pericycle
• C. lateral meristem
• D. apical meristem.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question asks about the classification of cork cambium and vascular cambium within plant tissues. To address this, we need to understand the role and origin of these tissues.

1. **Meristems in Plants:** Meristems are regions of actively dividing cells in plants. They are primarily responsible for growth.

• **Apical Meristems** are found at the tips of roots and shoots and are responsible for primary growth, contributing to the length of the plant.
• **Lateral Meristems** are responsible for secondary growth, which increases the girth of the plant. They occur in the form of:
  • **Vascular Cambium:** Produces secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem.
  • **Cork Cambium:** Produces the outer bark or cork.
• **Intercalary Meristems** are found at internodes or base of leaves, mostly in monocots, and contribute to lengthening of the internodes.

2. **Categorization:** Cork cambium and vascular cambium are responsible for the secondary growth and are thus categorized as lateral meristem.

**Conclusion:** Based on the above explanation, cork cambium and vascular cambium are parts of the lateral meristem.

The correct answer is: lateral meristem.