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Multiple Choice
Why does pinching off the top of a plant make it bushier?
A
Removing the apical meristem stimulates growth in the lateral meristem, thus making the plant bushier.
B
Removal of a node stimulates the internodes to grow and make the plant bushier.
C
Removing the apical meristem causes the plant to change from its vegetative phase to its reproductive phase. The reproductive phase is bushier.
D
Removing plant stems always leads to the plant producing more leaves.
E
Removing the apical meristem stimulates growth in the axillary buds, thus making the plant bushier.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the apical meristem: The apical meristem is a region of actively dividing cells at the tips of roots and shoots in plants. It is responsible for the primary growth, which increases the length of the plant.
Learn about apical dominance: Apical dominance is a phenomenon where the apical meristem suppresses the growth of lateral buds (axillary buds) through the production of plant hormones like auxins.
Explore the effect of removing the apical meristem: When the apical meristem is removed, the source of auxin is eliminated, reducing apical dominance and allowing the axillary buds to grow.
Understand the role of axillary buds: Axillary buds are located at the nodes, where leaves attach to the stem. When they are no longer suppressed by the apical meristem, they can develop into lateral branches, making the plant bushier.
Conclude the process: By removing the apical meristem, the plant shifts its growth from vertical to lateral, promoting a bushier appearance due to the growth of new branches from the axillary buds.