Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 34 - Plant Form and Function
Freeman - Biological Science 8th Edition
Freeman8th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9780138276263Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksFreeman 8th EditionCh. 34 - Plant Form and FunctionProblem 4
Chapter 34, Problem 4

Which statement best characterizes secondary growth?
a. It results from cell divisions in the vascular and cork cambia.
b. It increases the length of the plant stem.
c. It results from divisions in the apical meristem cells.
d. It often produces phloem cells to the inside and xylem cells to the outside of the vascular cambium.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of secondary growth: Secondary growth refers to the increase in thickness or girth of the plant, primarily in woody plants. It is different from primary growth, which increases the length of the plant.
Identify the tissues involved in secondary growth: Secondary growth is mainly due to the activity of the vascular cambium and cork cambium. These are lateral meristems responsible for the increase in diameter.
Analyze the role of the vascular cambium: The vascular cambium is a layer of meristematic cells located between the xylem and phloem. It divides to produce secondary xylem (wood) to the inside and secondary phloem to the outside.
Consider the role of the cork cambium: The cork cambium produces cork cells, which replace the epidermis in mature plant stems and roots, contributing to the protective outer layer known as the bark.
Evaluate the given statements: Based on the understanding of secondary growth, determine which statement accurately describes the process. Focus on the involvement of the vascular and cork cambia in increasing the plant's girth.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Secondary Growth

Secondary growth refers to the increase in thickness or girth of plant stems and roots, primarily due to the activity of the vascular cambium and cork cambium. Unlike primary growth, which increases the length of the plant, secondary growth is responsible for the formation of wood and bark, contributing to the structural support of the plant.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:53
Secondary Growth

Vascular Cambium

The vascular cambium is a lateral meristem in plants that produces secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem. It is crucial for secondary growth, as it divides to form new cells that increase the diameter of stems and roots. The vascular cambium is located between the primary xylem and phloem, facilitating the transport of water and nutrients.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:08
Seedless Vascular Plants

Cork Cambium

Cork cambium, also known as phellogen, is a lateral meristem that forms the outer protective layer of bark in woody plants. It produces cork cells that replace the epidermis, providing protection against physical damage and preventing water loss. Cork cambium contributes to secondary growth by increasing the girth of the plant and forming the outer bark.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:53
Secondary Growth
Related Practice
Textbook Question

What is a sieve-tube element?

a. The sugar-conducting cell found in phloem

b. The widened, perforation-containing, water-conducting cell found only in angiosperms

c. The nutrient- and water-absorbing cells found in root hairs

d. The nucleated and organelle-rich support cell found in phloem

Textbook Question

Evaluate the following statements regarding tracheids and vessel elements.

Select True or False for each statement.

T/F Both tracheids and vessel elements are specialized for water conduction.

T/F Both tracheids and vessel elements have pits.

T/F Vessel elements have perforation plates but tracheids do not.

T/F Tracheids and vessel elements have to be alive in order to transport water.

Textbook Question

Which statement best characterizes primary growth?

a. It does not occur in roots, only in shoots.

b. It leads to the development of cork tissue.

c. It produces the dermal, ground, and vascular tissues.

d. It produces rings of xylem, phloem, and cork tissue.

Textbook Question

Describe the general function of the shoot and the general function of the root system. Which tissues are continuous throughout these two systems?

Suggest a hypothesis to explain why the shoot and root systems of different species are so variable in size and shape.

Textbook Question

Explain why continuous growth enhances the phenomenon known as phenotypic plasticity.

Textbook Question

What does the cuticle do?

What do stomata do?

Predict how the thickness of the cuticle and the number of stomata differ in plants from wet habitats versus dry habitats.