A layer of meristematic cells persisting between the xylem and the phloem in a stele of dicot stem is known as

Options

A. residual meristem
B. interfascicular cambium
C. Intrasfascicular and cork cambium
D. both 1 and 2

Answer

To solve the question regarding the layer of meristematic cells that persists between the xylem and phloem in the stele of a dicot stem, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of Dicot Stem**:
- In a dicot stem, the vascular tissue is organized into bundles that contain both xylem and phloem. The arrangement of these tissues is crucial for the plant's growth and nutrient transport.

2. **Identifying Meristematic Tissue**:
- Meristematic cells are undifferentiated cells capable of division and are responsible for the growth of the plant. They are typically found at the tips of roots and shoots (apical meristem) and in the vascular cambium (lateral meristem).

3. **Locating the Cambium**:
- The layer of meristematic cells located between the xylem and phloem in the vascular bundles of dicot stems is known as the cambium. This cambium is responsible for secondary growth, allowing the plant to increase in girth.

4. **Differentiating Types of Cambium**:
- There are two types of cambium:
- **Intrafascicular cambium**: This is the cambium that is located between the xylem and phloem within the vascular bundles.
- **Interfascicular cambium**: This is the cambium that forms between the vascular bundles.

5. **Final Answer**:
- The layer of meristematic cells persisting between the xylem and phloem in the stele of a dicot stem is specifically referred to as **Intrafascicular cambium**.