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Question #46813
The Question
A researcher applies a potent meristem-activating hormone to the internode of a mature Zea mays stem in an attempt to artificially induce secondary growth. However, a continuous cambial ring fails to form. Which of the following anatomical constraints primarily explains this failure?
Options
- A.
The vascular bundles are closed, lacking the intrafascicular cambium required as a structural prerequisite.
- B.
The pericycle in monocot stems is heavily lignified and cannot dedifferentiate into a lateral meristem.
- C.
The sclerenchymatous hypodermis physically restricts the lateral expansion of the stele.
- D.
The water-containing cavities within the vascular bundles rapidly degrade exogenous hormones.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Vascular_Cambium|Open_Bundles|Monocot_Anatomy
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Linking the definition of 'closed' vascular bundles directly to the mechanical inability to form a cambial ring.
Common Misconception: Students often memorize that monocots lack secondary growth but fail to identify the exact missing structural prerequisite (intrafascicular cambium).
Furthermore, Option B exploits the frequent confusion between stem and root secondary growth mechanisms, as the pericycle plays a key role in roots, not stems.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Anatomy of Flowering Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Cambial Ring Formation |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |