The Girth of Stem Increases due to 1) Apical Meristem 2) Lateral Meristem 3) Intercalary Meristem 4) All of the Above

Answer: Option 2 – Lateral Meristem

Explanation

Lateral meristem enlarges the stem. Apical meristems are present on shoot tips, roots, etc. Intercalary meristems are found in grass internodes and between leaves.

• Cork cambium and vascular cambium are thin layers found beneath bark and in dicot roots and stems

• Secondary growth increases the plant’s diameter and girth

• The apical meristem is at the tips of stems, roots and leaves

• They raise the plant’s height (primary growth)

• Intercalary meristem grows organs at the leaf and internode bases