Before You Begin
Question #46244
The Question
In a plant species naturally exhibiting a racemose inflorescence, the continuous growth of the main axis is maintained by the shoot apical meristem (SAM). If a chemical inhibitor of polar auxin transport (e.g., TIBA) is applied specifically to the developing inflorescence apex, which of the following morphological shifts is most likely to occur?
Options
- A.
The main axis will exhibit accelerated indeterminate growth due to the suppression of lateral floral meristems.
- B.
The main axis will prematurely terminate into a flower, functionally mimicking a cymose architecture.
- C.
The inflorescence will maintain its racemose nature but develop a strictly basipetal arrangement of lateral flowers.
- D.
The SAM will revert to a vegetative state, completely halting the transition to floral identity.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Racemose|Cymose|Auxin Polarity|Meristem
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often rigidly memorize 'Racemose = Indeterminate' and 'Cymose = Determinate' as static genetic traits, failing to realize this morphological dichotomy is dynamically maintained by hormonal gradients (Auxin).
Common Misconception: Students usually associate 'loss of apical dominance' solely with the growth of lateral vegetative branches (e.g., making a plant bushy, as per NCERT), failing to apply the concept to the inflorescence axis where it dictates the transition from an indeterminate SAM to a terminal floral meristem.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Morphology of Flowering Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Inflorescence Types |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |