Question

The quiescent centre is found in a plant at
A. Root tip
B. Shoot tip
C. Cambium
D. Leaf tip

Answer 1

Hint: The quiescent centre is basically found in the root behind a region of meristematic activity and cell. This region either doesn’t divide or divides very slowly.

Complete Answer:
Let us find the correct answer from the options provided,
Option A: The quiescent centre is basically found in the root behind a region of meristematic activity and cell. Therefore, this is the correct option.
The functions of quiescent centre is as follows:
- They act as a reserve block of diploid cells in cases where the root tip is damaged, thereby helping in regeneration.
- It shows a strong resistance towards IR(Ionising radiation).

Option B: Apical meristem is present at the shoot tip, but quiescent centre is absent . Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option C: Cambium is the meristem present between vascular bundles and helps in secondary growth. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option D: Leaf tip contains cells that are not specialized, thus it does not contain quiescent centre. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Thus, the correct option is A) Root tip.

Additional information: Root tip is the apical part of the root, which grows continuously. The root arises from the radicle of the embryo when the seed is germinated. The root tips finally divide into one of the two types of root systems, either tap root or fibrous root.

Note: The quiescent centre consists of central cells only or central cell and part of its peripheral zones. Though the cells in this region are generally not dividing, they gain the ability to resume meristematic activity when the root tip is damaged.