Read these statements about meristematic tissues. Which amongst them are correct ?
I. Apical meristem is found at the root and shoot apices of the plant.
II. Intercalary meristem is a secondary meristematic tissue.
III. The lateral meristem is found in the matured regions of the root and shoot.
IV. Lateral meristematic tissue contributes in the secondary growth of the plant.

Options

A. Only I
B. II and III
C. I, III and IV
D. I and III

Answer

To solve the question regarding the correctness of the statements about meristematic tissues, let's analyze each statement step by step:

### Step 1: Analyze Statement I
**Statement I**: Apical meristem is found at the root and shoot apices of the plant.
- **Analysis**: This statement is correct. The apical meristem is located at the tips (apices) of roots and shoots and is responsible for the vertical growth of the plant.

### Step 2: Analyze Statement II
**Statement II**: Intercalary meristem is a secondary meristematic tissue.
- **Analysis**: This statement is incorrect. The intercalary meristem is actually a type of primary meristematic tissue found at the nodes and base of leaves, contributing to the growth of internodes.

### Step 3: Analyze Statement III
**Statement III**: The lateral meristem is found in the matured regions of the root and shoot.
- **Analysis**: This statement is correct. Lateral meristems, such as the cambium, are located in the mature regions of roots and shoots and are responsible for the increase in girth (thickness) of the plant.

### Step 4: Analyze Statement IV
**Statement IV**: Lateral meristematic tissue contributes to the secondary growth of the plant.
- **Analysis**: This statement is also correct. Lateral meristems, including the vascular cambium and cork cambium, are responsible for secondary growth, which increases the thickness of stems and roots.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis:
- **Correct Statements**: I, III, and IV are correct.
- **Incorrect Statement**: II is incorrect.

### Final Answer
The correct statements about meristematic tissues are I, III, and IV.