Apical cell theory was proposed by

Options

A. Hanstein
B. Schmidt
C. Hofmeister
D. Nehemia Grew

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understand the Question**: The question asks who proposed the apical cell theory. This requires knowledge of the contributions of various scientists listed in the options.

2. **Analyze the Options**:
- **Hans Thang**: He proposed the histogen theory, which describes the organization of the shoot apex into three layers: dermatogen, periblem, and plerome. Therefore, he is not the correct answer.
- **Schmitt**: He proposed the tunica corpus theory, which divides the shoot apex into two parts: the outer tunica and the inner corpus. Thus, he is also not the correct answer.
- **Hofmeister**: He is known for proposing the apical cell theory, which states that the shoot apex consists of a single pyramidal cell that develops into the entire shoot system. This makes him a strong candidate for the answer.
- **Nehemiah Grueh**: Although he made significant contributions to plant anatomy and is known as the father of plant anatomy, he did not propose the apical cell theory.

3. **Identify the Correct Answer**: Based on the analysis, Hofmeister is the scientist who proposed the apical cell theory.

4. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question "Apical cell theory was proposed by" is **Hofmeister**.

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