Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

Which structure is primarily responsible for the division and growth of new cells in a plant?

1. Cotyledon

2. Apical meristem

3. Pedicel

4. Receptacle

The correct answer is: Apical meristem

The apical meristem is the correct choice as it is the tissue found at the tips of roots and shoots in plants, responsible for cell division and growth. This region contains undifferentiated cells that can continually divide, allowing the plant to grow in height and develop new leaves and flowers. The activity in the apical meristem plays a crucial role in primary growth, which is the vertical growth of the plant. In contrast, a cotyledon serves as the first leaf or leaves that develop from the seed after germination and primarily provides nourishment to the seedling but is not involved in cell division or growth rates. The pedicel is the stalk that supports an individual flower and does not contribute to cellular growth or division. The receptacle is the part of the flower stalk that bears the flower parts but is again not directly responsible for the growth and division of new cells. Thus, the apical meristem is uniquely positioned to drive the overall growth and development of the plant through its role in producing new cells.