Question

Length of different internodes in a column of sugarcane is variable due to______
A) Shoot apical meristem
B) Position of axillary buds
C) Intercalary meristem
D) Size of leaf lamina at the node below each internode

Answer 1

Hint: It occurs only in monocots which are associated with the growth of the middle portion of the stem and divide mitotically in the stem. It consists of cells that are continuously dividing and responsible for the growth in plants.

Complete answer:
-Sugarcane belongs to the family Poaceae and it is a monocot plant possessing intercalary meristem at the nodes.
-Due to the intercalary meristem the length of different internodes in a culm of sugarcane is variable because intercalary meristem present between mature tissues is capable of cell division that allows the growth of many monocots and rapid growth of the stem.
-So, whenever the tip of the sugarcane is removed it can still grow using intercalary meristem which is present at nodes.

Additional Information: -Apical meristem is the meristem present at the tip of the root and shoot and produces primary tissue. Shoot apical meristem covers most regions of the stem axis. During the formation of leaves and elongation of the stem, some cells are left behind which constitutes the axillary bud.
-Axillary buds are capable of forming a flower or a branch and a present at the axils of leaves.

So, the correct answer is, "Intercalary meristem".

Note: -Sugarcane is cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world and contains high concentrations of sucrose.
-With the process of fermentation sugarcane is processed to produce alcoholic beverages in a large quantity.
-When the juice of the sugarcane has been removed, a fibrous portion of sugarcane that remains left is known as Bagasse. It is used in paper Mills to make paper in many countries. It is also used as an animal feed.