Lateral meristems are responsible for growth of

Options

A. cortex
B. parencyma
C. thickness
D. length

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Lateral Meristems**: Lateral meristems are responsible for secondary growth in plants. They contribute to the increase in thickness or girth of the plant.

2. **Types of Growth**: There are two main types of growth in plants: primary growth and secondary growth. Primary growth is responsible for the elongation of stems and roots, while secondary growth increases the thickness of the plant.

3. **Role of Lateral Meristems in Secondary Growth**: In vascular plants, secondary growth occurs due to the activity of two specific lateral meristems: cork cambium and vascular cambium.

4. **Cork Cambium**: The cork cambium is responsible for producing the outer protective layer (cork) of the plant, which helps in protecting it from environmental factors.

5. **Vascular Cambium**: The vascular cambium is responsible for producing new vascular tissues (xylem and phloem), which are essential for the transport of water, nutrients, and food throughout the plant.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, lateral meristems, specifically cork cambium and vascular cambium, are responsible for the secondary growth of plants, leading to an increase in thickness.

**Final Answer**: Lateral meristems are responsible for the growth of thickness in plants, specifically through the activity of cork cambium and vascular cambium.

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