Question

In roots, lateral branches grow from
a. Epiblema
b. Pericycle
c. Cortex
d. Endodermis

Answer 1

Hint: The Pericycle is a cylinder of parenchyma also known as sclerenchyma cells that are present just inside the endodermis as well as it is the outermost part of the stele of plants. It is composed of non-vascular parenchyma cells, but still it is considered as a part of the vascular cylinder due to it arises from the procambium as do the vascular tissues it surrounds.

Complete answer:
> Option A – Epidermis with root hairs is known as Epiblema as well as piliferous layer or rhizodermis. It is present in the root hair region of the root. Root hairs here are small, tubular, unicellular, and epidermal outgrowths. They take part in the absorption of water along with minerals in it.

> Option B – The Pericycle is a unique layer of cells present in plants. It is named after its position that is encircling the vascular tissue in stems as well as roots. In roots, it is surrounded by the inner cortical layer, that is the endodermis.

> Option C – In anatomy along with zoology, the cortex is referred to the outermost or superficial layer of an organ. Organs with well-defined cortical layers containing kidneys, adrenal glands, ovaries, the thymus, along with portions of the brain, as well as including the cerebral cortex, the best-known of all cortices.

> Option D – The Endodermis is the central and innermost layer of cortex in land plants. It is a cylinder of compact living cells, the radial walls of which are impregnated with hydrophobic substances to limit apoplectic flow of water to the inner part. The endodermis is considered as the boundary between the cortex and the stele.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: In eudicots, Pericycle also has the ability to produce lateral roots. Branch roots rise from this primary meristem tissue. In plants undergoing the secondary development stage, the Pericycle contributes to the vascular cambium often diverging into a cork cambium.