Question

The characteristic of meristematic cells are
A. Thin wall and dense cytoplasm with small amount of endoplasmic reticulum
B. Isodiametric with no extracellular spaces
C. Conspicuous nucleus
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: In order to derive the answer, one must know that meristematic cells are actively dividing cells. As these cells divide very fast, they are piled up on top of one another and they have no stored food as they are formed rapidly. Many cell organelle are not fully matured in these cells. This is a hint towards the answer.

Complete answer:
Meristematic cells are cells that are found in the root and shoot tips of plants. They are not differentiated and they act as precursors to many cell types that go on to form many organ systems in the plant body. After they differentiate, they lose their ability to divide. Only when they are undifferentiated, they are able to divide. These cells are mostly isodiametric with thin walls composed of cellulose.hey do not develop secondary cell walls. As they undergo rapid division, they have no stored food. Moreover due to this rapid growth, there are no intercellular spaces. Cell organelles like endoplasmic reticulum are also found in small amounts because the cells are not fully developed. These cells are highly metabolically active cells. Thus they have three major characteristics and they are:
1. Thin wall and dense cytoplasm with small amount of endoplasmic reticulum
2. Isodiametric with no extracellular spaces
3. Conspicuous nucleus
As all these three characters are found in dividing meristematic cells,

Thus, the correct option D All of the above.

Note:
Meristematic cells are regarded as the stem cell of the plant system as they are able to differentiate into any cell type in the plant. The word meristematic is derived from the Greek word meristem meaning to divide and it was used in 1858 by Carl Wilhelm von Nageli in his book Contributions to Botany.