Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of meristems in plants?

Accepted Answer

They are populations of undifferentiated cells that continuously divide to produce new cells for growth.

Question 2

A botanist observes a plant that continues to grow new leaves and stems throughout its life. Which property of plant growth does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Indeterminate growth

Question 3

Which meristem is responsible for the increase in diameter (girth) of woody plants?

Accepted Answer

Vascular cambium

Question 4

A cross-section of a young eudicot stem shows vascular bundles arranged in a ring. Which tissue is found at the center of this ring?

Accepted Answer

Pith

Question 5

Which of the following is a correct sequence of tissue development from the shoot apical meristem?

Accepted Answer

Protoderm → Dermal tissue

Question 6

In a root tip, which zone is primarily responsible for the absorption of water and minerals?

Accepted Answer

Zone of differentiation (maturation)

Question 7

Which of the following statements best distinguishes primary growth from secondary growth in plants?

Accepted Answer

Primary growth results from apical meristems and lengthens roots and shoots.

Question 8

A plant stem cross-section shows scattered vascular bundles with no clear cortex-pith distinction. This is most likely a:

Accepted Answer

Young monocot stem

Question 9

Which layer of the shoot apical meristem gives rise to the epidermis of the plant?

Accepted Answer

L1 layer

Question 10

A mutation disrupts the function of the peripheral zone (PZ) in the shoot apical meristem. Which process would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Formation of new leaves and stem tissues

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the arrangement of xylem and phloem in a young eudicot root?

Accepted Answer

Xylem forms a star shape at the center with phloem between the arms

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of axillary bud meristems?

Accepted Answer

Producing lateral branches and leaves

Question 13

A plant is observed to have parallel veins in its leaves and uniform mesophyll tissue. Which type of plant is this most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

Monocot

Question 14

Which tissue system is derived from the ground meristem?

Accepted Answer

Ground tissue

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why plant growth is often indeterminate?

Accepted Answer

Meristems continuously produce new cells as long as conditions allow.

Question 16

A cross-section of a monocot root is examined. Which feature would you expect to find?

Accepted Answer

A central core of parenchyma surrounded by a ring of xylem and phloem

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a function of the root cap?

Accepted Answer

Absorbing water and minerals

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the fate of cells in the L2 layer of the shoot apical meristem?

Accepted Answer

They give rise to much of the ground tissue and some vascular tissue.

Question 19

Which of the following is a key difference between eudicot and monocot leaf anatomy?

Accepted Answer

Eudicots have both palisade and spongy mesophyll, monocots have uniform mesophyll.

Question 20

A plant stem is cut and the cross-section reveals a ring of vascular bundles with cortex and pith. Which type of plant is this most likely from?

Accepted Answer

Eudicot

L5:Primary Growth and Meristems in Plants: Structure, Function, and Anatomy

Study Guide - Practice Questions