[Campbell Biology P.816] Which statement accurately distinguishes primary growth from second... | Practice Question

Which statement accurately distinguishes primary growth from secondary growth in vascular plants?

  • A: Primary growth increases length through apical meristems, while secondary growth increases thickness through lateral meristems.
  • B: Primary growth occurs only in roots, whereas secondary growth occurs only in stems.
  • C: Secondary growth is responsible for the formation of leaves, while primary growth produces wood.
  • D: Both primary and secondary growth primarily involve the elongation of existing cells.

Explanation

Primary growth is responsible for increasing the length of shoots and roots through the activity of apical meristems. Secondary growth, on the other hand, is responsible for increasing the thickness girth of stems and roots through the activity of lateral meristems vascular cambium and cork cambium . The document explicitly states this distinction.