Question

Which of these types of cells is most likely to divide?
A. Meristem
B. Parenchyma
C. Xylem
D. Epidermis

Answer 1

Hint: Cell is considered as the basic, functional unit of life. Each cell has a different shape and structure to perform different functions. Some cells regulate the function of growth in an organism by the division of the cells which leads to the formation of parts of the organism.

Complete answer: A type of tissue found in plants is called meristem. Meristem tissue consists of undifferentiated cells called meristematic cells which are capable of cell division. These meristematic cells can develop into other parts of the plants. Meristematic cells are totipotent. The word totipotent means it has the capability of division and forms a whole new organism. Parenchyma is one of the types of ground tissues. Parenchyma cells are alive even after they become mature. They have thin primary walls. In soft parts of the plants, parenchyma acts as filler. It is usually present in medullary rays, cortex, stem, and root. Xylem is lignified tissue that is a part of the vascular system in vascular plants. Xylem regulates the function of the conduction of water in plants from roots to stem. The skin is made up of three layers. They are hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the cell. The epidermis layer provides protection and acts as a barrier to infection from environmental pathogens. It regulates the function of maintaining moisture of the skin. Therefore, from the above context, it is clear that the meristematic cells of the plants have the ability to divide.
So, option A is the correct answer.

Note: Meristematic cells continue to divide until they get differentiated and lose the ability to divide. Hence, the growth of plants is stopped. Meristem is further classified as primary meristem and secondary meristem. The primary meristem is categorized as protoderm, procambium, and ground meristem whereas secondary meristem is classified as vascular cambium and cork cambium.