Assertion: The apical meristem is always protected.
Reason: A root cap is present above the meristem in roots.

Options

A. (a) If both assertion and Reason are true and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.
B. (b) If both Assertion and Reason are true, but the Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion.
C. (c) If Assertion is true, Reason is false.
D. (d) If both Assertion and Reason are true.

Answer

To solve the assertion-reason question, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Assertion
The assertion states that "The apical meristem is always protected."
- The apical meristem is a type of meristematic tissue found at the tips of roots and shoots, responsible for the primary growth of plants.

### Step 2: Analyze the Reason
The reason given is "A root cap is present above the meristem in roots."
- The root cap is a protective structure that covers the root apical meristem, helping to protect it as the root pushes through the soil.

### Step 3: Evaluate the Truth of the Statements
- **Assertion**: The apical meristem is indeed always protected. This is true because both shoot and root apical meristems have protective structures (juvenile leaves for shoots and root caps for roots).
- **Reason**: The statement about the root cap being present above the meristem in roots is also true. However, it only addresses the root apical meristem and does not encompass the protection of the shoot apical meristem.

### Step 4: Determine the Relationship Between Assertion and Reason
- While both statements are true, the reason does not adequately explain the assertion because it only refers to the root apical meristem, ignoring the shoot apical meristem's protection.

### Conclusion
Since both the assertion and reason are true, but the reason does not correctly explain the assertion, the correct answer is:
**Option B**: Both assertion and reason are true, but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.

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