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Question #46900
The Question
According to NCERT, in the majority of higher animals and plants, growth and reproduction are mutually exclusive events. However, vegetative propagation in higher plants seemingly contradicts this absolute dichotomy. Which of the following fundamental developmental principles best explains why plants can utilize somatic growth for reproduction, unlike higher animals?
Options
- A.
Higher plants lack early germline sequestration, allowing totipotent meristematic cells to contribute to both somatic structures and clonal reproduction.
- B.
Vegetative propagation relies on the activation of a strict Weismann barrier, which isolates and protects the meristematic germplasm from somatic mutations.
- C.
Unlike animals, plant somatic cells undergo continuous meiosis in the lateral meristems to produce haploid vegetative propagules.
- D.
Energy constraints in plants force a permanent dedifferentiation of all mature somatic cells, making growth and reproduction synonymous at all life stages.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Meristematic Totipotency|Growth-Reproduction Mutual Exclusivity|Plant Growth and Development
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Reconciling the NCERT statement 'growth and reproduction are mutually exclusive' with the reality of vegetative propagation.
The trap lies in understanding the Weismann barrier—animals sequester germ cells early, making somatic growth and reproduction strictly separate, whereas plants derive reproductive structures from somatic meristems late in development, allowing growth to double as reproduction.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | The Living World - Class 11 |
| Concept | Growth-Reproduction Mutual Exclusivity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |