The growth of tendril in pea plants is due to

Options

A. effect of light
B. effect of gravity
C. rapid cell divisions in tendrillar cells that are away from the support
D. rapid cell divisions in tendrillar cells in contact with the support

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Tendrils:**
- Tendrils are thin, thread-like structures found in climbing plants, including pea plants. They grow from the stem or leaves and help the plant to climb by wrapping around supports.

2. **Sensitivity of Tendrils:**
- Tendrils are sensitive to touch, which means they can respond to physical contact with other objects. This characteristic is known as thigmotropism.

3. **Thigmotropic Response:**
- When a tendril comes into contact with an object, the side that touches the object grows more slowly than the side that is not in contact. This differential growth is a key aspect of how tendrils respond to their environment.

4. **Cell Division:**
- The slower growth on the side in contact with the object is due to rapid cell division occurring on the opposite side of the tendril. This means that the cells away from the support are dividing more quickly.

5. **Bending and Clinging:**
- As a result of this uneven growth, the tendril bends towards the object it has touched. The tendril then winds around the object, allowing the plant to cling to it for support.

6. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, the growth of tendrils in pea plants is primarily due to the thigmotropic response, which involves rapid cell division on the side away from the support, leading to bending and clinging.

**Final Answer:**
The growth of tendril in pea plants is due to thigmotropism, which involves rapid cell division in the cells away from the support.

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