Get Answers to all your Questions

header-bg qa

In virus-infected plants, the meristematic tissues in both apical and axillary buds are free of the virus because:

a. the dividing cells are virus-resistant

b. meristems have anti-viral compounds

c. the cell division of meristems is faster than the rate of viral multiplication

d. Viruses cannot multiply within the meristem cell (s).

Answers (1)

The answer is option (c) the cell division of meristems is faster than the rate of viral multiplication. 

  • Meristematic tissue, comprised of indeterminate cells, is characterized by its continuous division capability. These tissues are predominantly situated in regions of dynamic growth, namely the apical and axillary buds in plants.
  • The apical bud is situated at the apex of a plant, serving as the central growth point. Axillary buds, conversely, are located in the axils of leaves, which are the junctions where the leaf meets the stem. Both these buds harbour meristematic tissues that play a pivotal role in plant morphogenesis.
  • Plant cells are susceptible to viral infections, with viruses replicating within these living structures. However, the velocity of viral propagation is contingent upon the cell type and its metabolic activity.
  • In meristematic tissues, the cell division rate is notably high due to the constant formation of new cells. This rapid cytokinetic process can potentially exceed the replication rate of viruses, thereby influencing the extent of viral infection within these tissues.
Posted by

infoexpert23

View full answer