A plant cross-section shows a continuous pericycle around the stele in a dicot root. What function does this indicate?

Correct answer: (c) Secondary growth via lateral roots

Explanation

The pericycle is a layer of cells just inside the endodermis, around the vascular tissue (stele) of the root. Its cells can divide, and it does two jobs:

• lateral roots arise from the pericycle and push out through the outer tissues;
• in dicot roots, it takes part in secondary growth, forming part of the vascular cambium and the cork cambium, so the root grows thicker.

It has nothing to do with bacterial symbiosis (root nodules) or mycorrhizae (fungi on the outside of roots).