Problem 114 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

The activity of cambium is under control of (a) Physiological factor (b) Environmental factor (c) Both (a) and (b) (d) None

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Both (a) and (b). Both physiological and environmental factors control the activity of cambium in plants.

Step 1: Understand the Role of Cambium

Cambium is a type of plant tissue located in the stem and root of a plant. It's known for being responsible for secondary growth in stems and roots, that is, growth in thickness.

Step 2: Evaluate Physiological Factors

Physiological factors are internal signals within the plant that impact how it functions. This would include hormones, nutrients, and genetic factors. Cambium's activity could be influenced by these; for example, plant hormones (like auxins and cytokinins) are known to affect cell division and growth.

Step 3: Evaluate Environmental Factors

Environmental factors refer to external signals that can impact plant functions. This includes aspects like light exposure, temperature, water availability, etc. These factors can also affect cambium activity. For example, cambial activity could increase in warm and sunny weather conditions with water availability, promoting growth.

Step 4: Analyze the Impact of Both Physiological and Environmental Factors

Considering both elements, it can be inferred that both physiological and environmental factors would have the potential to impact the activity of cambium. A change in either can therefore result in changes to cambial activity.

Key Concepts

Physiological Factors

Physiological factors play a crucial role in the activity of cambium in plants. These are intrinsic signals or mechanisms within the plant that influence its growth and functioning.
For cambium activity, physiological factors like plant hormones are particularly important. Hormones such as auxins and cytokinins are known to directly stimulate cambium cells.
These hormones promote cell division and differentiation, allowing the cambium to do its job of increasing stem and root thickness.
Another physiological aspect includes the plant's nutrient status. Nutrients circulating through the plant provide the necessary resources for metabolic activities, impacting growth and development.
Lastly, genetic factors also affect cambium activity since certain genes regulate growth patterns and responses to hormonal signals.

• Auxins promote cell elongation, influencing cambium activity.
• Cytokinins stimulate cell division, contributing to tissue growth.
• Nutrient uptake is vital for metabolic processes and cambium function.

Understanding these physiological factors helps us comprehend how internal plant systems drive growth and adaptation.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors are external influences that can significantly affect the activity of cambium and, thus, plant growth. These include elements like light, temperature, water availability, and soil nutrients.
Light serves as an energy source for photosynthesis, which in turn promotes growth by providing the energy needed for metabolic activities. Adequate light can enhance cambium activity and increase plant thickness.
Temperature is another critical environmental factor. Cambium activity tends to increase with optimal temperature ranges, as it stimulates cellular processes and division.
Water availability is crucial for cambial growth because water affects turgor pressure, which is important for cell expansion. In conditions where water is plenty, cambium activity typically flourishes.

• Light increases photosynthesis, providing energy for growth.
• Temperature affects cellular metabolism and growth rates.
• Water influences cell turgidity and nutrient transport.

Understanding these environmental factors helps predict how plants may respond to changing climates and conditions.

Plant Growth and Development

Plant growth and development is a complex process influenced by a combination of physiological and environmental factors. Cambium activity is essential as it facilitates secondary growth, which leads to increased plant girth and strength.
During plant growth, cambium contributes by forming new layers of vascular tissues, such as xylem and phloem. This process is crucial for transporting water and nutrients throughout the plant.
Growth can be understood as an interplay between cell division, cell elongation, and differentiation, all of which interact to increase plant size and complexity.
Growth is also regulated by both internal (physiological) and external (environmental) signals that work together to adapt to changing conditions.

• Cambium activity increases plant thickness, aiding in structural support.
• Vascular tissues contribute to vital fluid and nutrient transport.
• Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors ensure holistic growth and development.

By understanding plant growth and development, we gain insights into how plants adapt and flourish in diverse environments.