2022 · Q39
Which of the following best represents the cells of a meristem of plant?
general-sciencebiology-plants
- ADense cytoplasm, thin cell wall, large nuclei and absence of vacuoles
- BDense cytoplasm, thin cell wall, large nuclei and large vacuoles
- CDense cytoplasm, thin cell wall, small nuclei and absence of vacuoles
- DDense cytoplasm, thick cell wall, small nuclei and large vacuoles
Explanation
Meristematic cells are actively dividing, undifferentiated plant cells characterised by dense cytoplasm, a thin (primary) cell wall, large prominent nuclei, and the absence (or near-absence) of vacuoles. Large vacuoles (options B, D) and thick cell walls (option D) are features of mature, differentiated cells, not meristems. Small nuclei (options C, D) contradict the large nuclei of dividing cells. Hence option A.