Three Phases of Plant Growth — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptThe period of growth is generally divided into three phases, namely, meristematic, elongation and maturation. Let us understand this by looking at the root tips. The constantly dividing cells, both at the root apex and the shoot apex, represent the meristematic phase of growth. The cells in this region are rich in protoplasm, possess large conspicuous nuclei. Their cell walls are primary in nature, thin and cellulosic with abundant plasmodesmatal connections. The cells proximal (just next, away from the tip) to the
Match the Column I (Phase of Growth) with Column II (Characteristic Cellular Feature) and Column III (Key Cellular Process). Column I A. Meristematic phase B. Elongation phase C. Maturation phase Column II 1. Cells show increased vacuolation 2. Cells possess large conspicuous nuclei 3. Cells attain maximal size, wall thickening Column III i. Attainment of maximal siz ii. Constant cell division iii. Cell enlargement
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: A — A-2-ii, B-1-iii, C-3-i
Let's analyze the characteristics for each phase of growth according to NCERT: For Meristematic phase: NCERT states: "The constantly dividing cells... represent the meristematic phase... The cells in this region are rich in protoplasm, possess large conspicuous nuclei. Their cell walls are primary in nature, thin and cellulosic with abundant plasmodesmatal connections." This matches Column II-2 (large conspicuous nuclei) and Column III-ii (constant cell division). So, A corresponds to 2 and ii. For Elongation phase: NCERT states: "Increased vacuolation, cell enlargement and new cell wall deposition are the characteristics of the cells in this phase." This matches Column II-1 (increased vacuolation) and Column III-iii (cell enlargement). So, B corresponds to 1 and iii. For Maturation phase: NCERT states: "The cells of this zone, attain their maximal size in terms of wall thickening and protoplasmic modifications." This matches Column II-3 (attain maximal size, wall thickening) and Column III-i (attainment of maximal size). So, C corresponds to 3 and i. Therefore, the correct match is A-2-ii, B-1-iii, C-3-i. Final Answer: The final answer is A because A-2-ii, B-1-iii, C-3-i is the correct match.
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