Pericycle Functions in Root Growth — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2026The innermost layer of the cortex is called endodermis. It comprises a single layer of barrel-shaped cells without any intercellular spaces. The tangential as well as radial walls of the endodermal cells have a deposition of water-impermeable, waxy material suberin in the form of casparian strips. Next to endodermis lies a few layers of thick-walled parenchymatous cells referred to as pericycle. Initiation of lateral roots and vascular cambium during the secondary growth takes place in these cells. The pith is small or inconspicuous. The parenchymatous cells which lie between the xylem and the phloem are called conjunctive tissue. There are usually two to four xylem and phloem patches. Later, a cambium ring develops between the xylem and phloem. All tissues on the innerside of the endodermis such as pericycle, vascular bundles and pith constitute the stele.
The pericycle is a layer of thick-walled parenchymatous cells just inside the endodermis where BOTH lateral roots and vascular cambium originate during secondary growth. Students often confuse the pericycle with other root layers or forget that it has a dual role in root development. The key mistake is thinking that only the cambium initiates secondary growth, ignoring the pericycle's critical role in lateral root formation. Remember: pericycle = initiates lateral roots + vascular cambium; it's the SOURCE of both primary and secondary root structures. This concept tests your understanding of tissue organization and developmental anatomy.
This paragraph was tested 3 times in NEET.
Match List-I with List-II — A. Conjunctive tissue, B. Casparian strips, C. Subsidiary cells, D. Starch sheath.
Initiation of lateral roots and vascular cambium during secondary growth takes place in cells of [NEET 2022 Phase 2]
Casparian strips occur in: (NEET 2018)
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