- A Monocot roots are sometimes reported to develop a true vascular cambium layer; dicot roots are said to largely lack one altogether under usual circumstances
- B Dicot roots have limited vascular bundles (2-4 protoxylem poles); monocot roots have numerous vascular bundles (polyarch) arranged in a ring
- C Monocot and dicot root anatomy are sometimes thought to be essentially identical to one another when viewed in cross-section closely according to most researchers
- D Dicot roots are sometimes said to largely lack an endodermal layer surrounding their central vascular cylinder structure altogether in the majority of cases studied
Correct answer: B. Dicot roots have limited vascular bundles (2-4 protoxylem poles); monocot roots have numerous vascular bundles (polyarch) arranged in a ring
Explanation: Dicot roots: diarch to tetrarch (2-4 xylem poles); pith absent or small; secondary growth possible. Monocot roots: polyarch (many xylem poles arranged in a ring); large pith; no secondary growth; Casparian strip may have suberin lamellae.
Concept context
Internal tissue organisation: meristems, permanent tissues (xylem, phloem, parenchyma), and secondary growth. Frequently tested in NEET.