Lateral roots in higher plants arise from

Options

A. Endoderis
B. Epidermis
C. Cortex
D. Pericycle

Answer

To determine where lateral roots in higher plants arise from, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Plant Structure**:
- Begin by identifying the layers of a root. The outermost layer is the epidermis, followed by the cortex, endodermis, pericycle, and then the vascular bundle.

2. **Identifying the Role of Each Layer**:
- The epidermis serves as a protective layer.
- The cortex is involved in storage and transport.
- The endodermis regulates the flow of water and nutrients into the vascular system.
- The pericycle is a layer of cells that can give rise to lateral roots.

3. **Focus on Lateral Root Formation**:
- In higher vascular plants, lateral roots are specifically formed from the pericycle. This is a critical point because it distinguishes the origin of lateral roots in higher plants from those in lower vascular plants.

4. **Eliminating Incorrect Options**:
- **Endodermis**: Incorrect for higher plants; it is where lateral roots arise in lower vascular plants.
- **Epidermis**: Incorrect as it is the outermost layer and does not contribute to lateral root formation.
- **Cortex**: Incorrect because it is located above the pericycle and does not give rise to lateral roots.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is that lateral roots in higher plants arise from the **pericycle**.

### Final Answer:
Lateral roots in higher plants arise from the **pericycle**.

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