Meristem responsible for increase in girth or diameter is

Options

A. apical meristem
B. intercalary meristem
C. lateral meristem
D. none of the above

Answer

To determine which meristem is responsible for the increase in girth or diameter of a plant, we need to analyze the options provided:

1. **Epical Meristem**: This type of meristem is located at the tips of roots and shoots. It is primarily responsible for the increase in length (primary growth) of the plant, not the girth.

2. **Intercalary Meristem**: This meristem is found at the base of leaves and internodes. It contributes to the elongation of the plant but does not significantly affect the girth.

3. **Lateral Meristem**: This is the key type of meristem responsible for secondary growth, which increases the girth or diameter of the plant. Lateral meristems include the vascular cambium and cork cambium. The vascular cambium produces new vascular tissue (xylem and phloem), while the cork cambium produces protective outer layers.

4. **None of the Above**: This option suggests that none of the listed meristems are responsible for the increase in girth, which is incorrect since lateral meristem is indeed responsible.

Based on this analysis, the correct answer is:

**Lateral Meristem** is responsible for the increase in girth or diameter of the plant.