Question 1 of 19intermediate🔍 AnalyzeShort Answer2 marks

Why do you think that the cell of meristematic tissues lack vacuoles?

Correct Answer

Meristematic tissues are responsible for continuous and rapid cell division in plants. To support this active division, their cells possess a dense cytoplasm with many organelles and a large and prominent nucleus.

Vacuoles are generally absent in meristematic cells because they are primarily storage sacs. Storage is a function of permanent tissues that have undergone differentiation. The presence of large vacuoles would occupy space, preventing the cells from having the dense cytoplasm and tight packing required for continuous cell division.

Exercise: Section 3.2.3 Intercalary Meristem | Q: 1 | (Page 4)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The textbook context states that meristematic tissue cells have characteristics like dense cytoplasm, a large prominent nucleus, and are tightly packed to allow continuous and rapid cell division. Vacuoles are generally absent because their primary role is storage, which is a function of specialized permanent tissues formed after differentiation. Having vacuoles would take up space needed for the dense cytoplasm and tight packing essential for active division.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify the main function of meristematic tissues (continuous and rapid cell division).

  2. Step 2: Relate the absence of vacuoles to the need for dense cytoplasm and tight packing for cell division, noting that storage (the function of vacuoles) is a role of permanent tissues.

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