Question

In an inflorescence where flowers are grown laterally in acropetal succession, the position of the youngest floral bud shall be
(a)Proximal
(b)Distal
(c)Intercalary
(d)Anywhere

Answer 1

Hint: In acropetal succession, the stem keeps growing and does not terminate. This type of inflorescence is also known as ‘Racemose inflorescence'.

Complete answer:
Acropetal succession in a plant is defined as the growth of the floral component from base to the apex. This means that in an inflorescence acquiring acropetal succession, the youngest floral bud shall occupy the distal position or the apex while the older flowers will lie proximal to the stem i.e. towards the base.
Consequently, the newly formed fruit remains uncovered. Example- mustard, radish, snapdragon, wheat, barley, etc. Types of racemose inflorescence include Raceme, Spike, Spikelet, Panicle, Catkin, Spadix, Corymb, and Umbel.
Basipetal succession- The growth of the inflorescence where the stem terminates into an apical flower is known as basipetal succession. It is also known as Cymose inflorescence. Hence, the newer flowers lie proximal or close to the stem base while the older flowers lie distally. It is seen in drosera, dianthus, calotropis, hibiscus, etc.
So, the correct answer is ‘Distal’.

Note: -Spikelet type of inflorescence is the characteristic feature of the Poaceae or the Gramineae family that consists of grasses.
-The central longitudinal axis of the inflorescence is known as Rachis and the stem holding all the branches is known as Peduncle.
-The racemose and cymose inflorescence is known as the open and closed type of inflorescence respectively.