Which statement best characterizes primary growth?
a. It does not occur in roots, only in shoots.
b. It leads to the development of cork tissue.
c. It produces the dermal, ground, and vascular tissues.
d. It produces rings of xylem, phloem, and cork tissue.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of primary growth: Primary growth in plants refers to the elongation of roots and shoots, allowing the plant to grow in length. This growth is facilitated by the activity of apical meristems, which are regions of actively dividing cells located at the tips of roots and shoots.
2. Recall the types of tissues produced during primary growth: The apical meristems give rise to three primary meristematic tissues—protoderm, ground meristem, and procambium. These tissues differentiate into the dermal, ground, and vascular tissues, respectively.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: a) Primary growth occurs in both roots and shoots, so this option is incorrect. b) Cork tissue is associated with secondary growth, not primary growth, so this option is also incorrect. d) Rings of xylem, phloem, and cork tissue are produced during secondary growth, not primary growth, so this option is incorrect.
4. Focus on the correct option: c) Primary growth produces the dermal, ground, and vascular tissues, which are essential for the plant's structure and function during elongation.
5. Conclude by connecting the concept to the correct answer: The correct statement is that primary growth produces the dermal, ground, and vascular tissues, as these are the fundamental tissues formed during the elongation process driven by apical meristems.

Key Concepts

Primary Growth

Primary growth refers to the increase in length of the plant, occurring at the apical meristems located at the tips of roots and shoots. This type of growth is responsible for the elongation of the plant and the formation of new leaves and flowers, allowing the plant to reach sunlight and expand its root system.

Tissue Types in Plants

Plants consist of three main tissue types: dermal, ground, and vascular tissues. Dermal tissue serves as a protective outer layer, ground tissue is involved in photosynthesis, storage, and support, while vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) is responsible for the transport of water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant.

Meristematic Tissue

Meristematic tissue is a type of plant tissue that contains undifferentiated cells capable of division and growth. This tissue is crucial for both primary and secondary growth, as it allows for the continuous production of new cells that differentiate into various specialized tissues, contributing to the overall development of the plant.