Phases of Root Growth and Development — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2026Which one of the following is not a characteristic of plant cells in phase of elongation?
Which one of the following is not a characteristic of plant cells in phase of elongation?
Answer & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: D — Large conspicuous nuclei
The elongation phase shows new cell wall deposition, increased vacuolation, and cell enlargement. Large conspicuous nuclei are characteristic of the meristematic phase, not elongation.
Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ
Increased vacuolation, cell enlargement and new cell wall deposition are the characteristics of the cells in this phase. Further away from the apex, i.e., more proximal to the phase of elongation, lies the portion of axis which is undergoing the phase of maturation. The cells of this zone, attain their maximal size in terms of wall thickening and protoplasmic modifications. Most of the tissues and cell types you have studied in earlier classes represent this phase.
NTA tests students' understanding of the three root growth phases: elongation, maturation, and meristematic zones. The elongation phase is characterized by increased vacuolation and cell enlargement, while the maturation phase involves wall thickening and protoplasmic modifications. Students commonly confuse which zone performs which function—they mistakenly think cell division and elongation happen in the same zone. Remember: meristematic zone = cell division only; elongation zone = cell growth and enlargement; maturation zone = cell specialization and wall thickening. This concept is frequently tested because it connects root anatomy with physiological processes essential for nutrient and water absorption.
What does NCERT say about Increased vacuolation cell enlargement?
Has this concept appeared in NEET?
Which chapter is this from?
Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 88 of 90 questions from the NEET 2026 paper were matched straight from the MedicNEET Biology question bank.
88/90MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.