Question

 lateral roots originate from

A) Cotex

B) Epidermis

C) Endodermis

D) Pericycle

Answer 1

Hint: Lateral roots also known as the secondary roots are elongated from the primary roots. They increase the plant security into the soil, increasing water uptake, and facilitates the uptake of nutrients required for the growth and development. Lateral roots help to increase the surface area of the plant.

Complete answer:

->The growth of lateral roots is carried by auxin hormones and other growth regulators.

->The pericycle is the outermost layer of the vascular cylinder and it is formed by the xylem and phloem and present in the centre of the roots.

->The pericycle is made up of parenchyma or sclerenchyma cells which are present under the endodermis.

->Pericycles consist of not only the non-vascular parenchyma cells but also the part of the vascular cylinder as it is made from the procambium like the other vascular tissues. 

->Eudicots have the capacity to produce lateral roots. Branch roots emerge from this primary meristem tissue. But plants that have the secondary growth, the pericycle, contribute to the vascular cylinder and that is why Cortex, pith and endodermis do not produce lateral roots.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘D’ Pericycle.

Note: After the endodermis there are one or more layers of pericycles present. All lateral roots produce from it. Pericycle is an important part of the plant but it is not present in some of the water plants and insects.