Question

Shoot apical meristem occurs over the top of
A. Root
B. Radicle
C. Plumule
D. Mesocotyl

Answer 1

Hint: The meristems are a type of tissues made up of undifferentiated cells which are known as the meristem cells. These types of cells are capable of continued cell division and have the capacity to develop into all other types of tissues and organs. The condition of continued cell division is responsible for development of new tissues and parts of the plant.

Complete answer:
The meristem cells are capable of continued cell division and are incompletely differentiated cells. They are packed closely together without intercellular spaces. They are mostly found in many locations such as near the tips of the roots and stem, in the development of buds and nodes of the stems. The cells of the meristem are closely packed small cells with very thin cell walls and large cell nuclei.

The apical meristem is called as the growing tip and is found in the buds and in the tip of roots in the plant. The prime function of the apical meristem is to trigger and develop the growth of new cells in young seedlings at the tips of roots and shoots.

The apical meristem is differentiated into four distinct zones. The different zones of apical meristem are the central zone, the peripheral zone, the medullary meristem and the medullary tissue. Each zone of the apical meristem performs a distinct activity and function. The apical meristem of shoots is known as the shoot apical meristem while the apical meristem of roots is known as root apical meristem. The root apical meristem is found in the radicle and tip of the roots.

The shoot apical meristem is represented by the growing portion of the shoots as well as in the areas of plumule. The plumule is the part of a seed embryo which grows to develop into the shoot of the plant. The plumule contains shoot apical meristem cells and it leads to the growth of the shoot of the plant. The meristem starts to grow, and the first leaves expand and further gives rise to other leaves.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The meristem tissues are responsible for new growth and increasing the development of the plants. The apical meristem that is found in the tip of the shoot part of the plant is known as shoot apical meristem. It causes growth and generation of the part of the plant above the soil. In new seedlings, the tip of the new leaves or the plumule and bear shoot apical meristem.