The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

Which of the following BEST explains the physiological significance of the quiescent center in the root apical meristem?

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Plant development, specifically root apical meristem function.
 **Related Topics**: Stem cells, cell differentiation, meristem maintenance, root growth.
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of plant tissues, meristems, and cell division.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
The question asks about the physiological significance of the quiescent center in the root apical meristem.
**Method & Steps**:
1. Understanding the root apical meristem (RAM): The RAM is responsible for primary root growth. It contains actively dividing cells that differentiate into various root tissues.
  Reasoning: The RAM is crucial for root development and needs to be protected from damage and maintained for continuous growth.
  Formula/Rule: N/A
2. Role of the quiescent center (QC): The QC is a group of slowly dividing cells located within the RAM. 
  Working: The QC acts as a reservoir of stem cells.  If the RAM is damaged, the QC can replenish the actively dividing cells, ensuring the meristem's continued function.
  Key Point: The QC's slow division rate minimizes the risk of accumulating mutations that could harm the meristem.
3. Evaluating the options:
  Result: Option B accurately describes the QC's role as a stem cell reserve protecting the meristem and ensuring continuous growth. Options A, C, and D describe functions not primarily associated with the QC.
  Verification: The slow division rate of QC cells supports its role as a reserve, protecting the rapidly dividing cells of the RAM from damage and ensuring continuous growth.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Promotes rapid cell differentiation to form specialized root tissues.  This is a function of the RAM as a whole, not the specific role of the quiescent center.
B ✓: Acts as a reserve of stem cells, protecting the meristem from damage and ensuring continuous growth. This accurately describes the primary function of the quiescent center.
C :x: Synthesizes hormones that inhibit root elongation and promote branching.  Hormone synthesis is not a primary function of the quiescent center.
D :x: Regulates the uptake of water and nutrients from the soil. This is a function of root hairs and other specialized root tissues, not the quiescent center.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**: Choosing options that describe functions of the RAM generally, rather than the specific, protective role of the quiescent center.
  1.Confusing the quiescent center's function with that of other RAM cells: Focus on the QC's role in maintaining the meristem's integrity.
  2.Overlooking the stem cell nature of the quiescent center: Remember its function is to replenish the actively dividing cells.
 **Quick Tips**:  The quiescent center is like a backup system for the root apical meristem.  It's a reserve of stem cells that protects the meristem from damage and ensures its continued growth.

NISHANTH · Answer

Promotes rapid cell differentiation to form specialized root tissues

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Acts as a reserve of stem cells, protecting the meristem from damage and ensuring continuous growth"

NISHANTH · Answer

Synthesizes hormones that inhibit root elongation and promote branching

NISHANTH · Answer

Regulates the uptake of water and nutrients from the soil

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