Question

In plants, lateral roots arise from
A. Epidermis
B. Hypodermis
C. Endodermis
D. Pericycle

Answer 1

Hint: Lateral roots present inside the soil come out from the meristematic tissues, which spread out horizontally from the main root, called the primary root. These lateral roots help plants as they increase the surface area for the water absorption.

Complete answer:
Roots are very important for plants as well as for other organisms present on this earth. Roots help in anchoring plants with soil. They help in uptake of water and important minerals required for the healthy growth of the plant, from the soil. Sometimes, roots even help in storage of food. They help in providing nitrogen, as nitrifying bacteria lives in the roots of the leguminous plants.
So, in this question we will talk about lateral roots. Lateral roots come out of the meristematic tissues of the primary root also known as radicle or taproot. These roots make the complex wiring system of the root system. Lateral roots mainly increase the surface area of the roots which helps in the large water absorption from the soil.
Lateral roots are also present in symbiotic relationships with some nitrifying bacteria which help in providing the nitrogen to the plant. Formation of the lateral roots is mainly controlled by the plant hormone called auxin which controls the cell cycle of the pericycle.

Thus, we can say that the lateral roots develop from the pericycle, which is option ‘D’.

Note:
There are many types of roots like, tap root, lateral root, fibrous root, adventitious root, etc. having different and unique functions for the plants. Some roots are edible as well, having medicinal properties.