Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between primary and secondary growth in plants?

Accepted Answer

Primary growth increases the length of roots and shoots via apical meristems, while secondary growth increases the thickness of roots and shoots via lateral meristems.

Question 2

Where are apical meristems located in a typical plant?

Accepted Answer

At the tips of roots and shoots.

Question 3

Which tissue is produced by the vascular cambium during secondary growth?

Accepted Answer

Secondary xylem and secondary phloem.

Question 4

A botanist observes annual rings in a tree trunk cross-section. What do these rings primarily represent?

Accepted Answer

Seasonal changes in secondary xylem growth.

Question 5

Which of the following cell types is most directly involved in photosynthesis within a leaf?

Accepted Answer

Parenchyma cells.

Question 6

What is the main function of the cork cambium in woody plants?

Accepted Answer

To produce a thick protective covering for stems and roots.

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why leaves are typically short-lived and determinate in growth?

Accepted Answer

Leaves are formed by shoot apical meristems and lack their own meristematic regions.

Question 8

During cell maturation in plants, which process is responsible for cell enlargement?

Accepted Answer

Growth of the vacuole and expansion of the cell wall.

Question 9

Which formula best represents the relationship between cell volume and vacuole expansion during cell growth?

Accepted Answer

$$V_{cell} = V_{cytosol} + V_{vacuole}$$

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a function of stems in plants?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of water and minerals from the soil.

Question 11

What is the role of apical dominance in plant growth?

Accepted Answer

It inhibits the growth of axillary buds by the terminal bud.

Question 12

Which of the following tissues is responsible for moving carbohydrates throughout the plant?

Accepted Answer

Phloem.

Question 13

A plant stem cross-section shows a ring of vascular bundles. Which tissue is found on the inside of this ring?

Accepted Answer

Xylem.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about meristems is correct?

Accepted Answer

Secondary meristems give rise to wood and bark.

Question 15

Which cell type is most abundant in the pith of a stem?

Accepted Answer

Parenchyma.

Question 16

What is the primary function of tracheids and vessel elements in vascular bundles?

Accepted Answer

Transport of water and minerals.

Question 17

Which process is activated by increased cell wall acidity during cell maturation?

Accepted Answer

Expansin activity, breaking up cross-linking polysaccharides.

Question 18

In a woody plant, which structure is responsible for the formation of bark texture?

Accepted Answer

Shape of the cork cambium surface.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the directionality of cell growth in plant tissues?

Accepted Answer

It is determined by the orientation of cytoplasmic microtubules and cell wall cellulose microfibrils.

Question 20

Which of the following is true about the lifetime of the vascular cambium in woody plants?

Accepted Answer

It typically lasts the lifetime of the organism, continually producing secondary xylem and phloem.

Plant Structure, Growth, and Development: Meristems, Primary and Secondary Growth

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards