Meristematic tissues divide repeatedly. What property of their cells allows them to do this? Class 9

Meristematic tissues divide repeatedly. What property of their cells allows them to do this? Class 9

Revise, Reflect, Refine (Page 44-45)

Question 1.

Meristematic tissues divide repeatedly. What property of their cells allows them to do this? Class 9

(i) They have thick walls for protection.

(ii) They contain large vacuoles that store nutrients.

(iii) They have thin walls, dense cytoplasm and large prominent nucleus.

(iv) They are functionally differentiated cells.

Answer:

(iii) They have thin walls, dense cytoplasm and large prominent nucleus.

Explanation: Meristematic cells divide continuously because they have thin cell walls, dense cytoplasm, and a large nucleus, which support active cell division. They usually lack vacuoles and are not yet specialised.

Question 2.

If a plant is unable to transport food from leaves to roots which tissue is malfunctioning? Class 9

(i) Xylem

(ii) Phloem

(iii) Epidermis

(iv) Sclerenchyma

Answer:

(ii) Phloem

Phloem is the conducting tissue that transports food (mainly sugars prepared by photosynthesis in leaves) to all other parts of the plant including roots and stems. Xylem transports water and minerals from roots upward. Epidermis is a protective tissue. Sclerenchyma provides strength. So if food transport from leaves to roots is affected, it is the phloem that is malfunctioning.