A Level Biology Practice Exam

Which part of the plant contains the pericycle?

1. Leaves

2. Roots

3. Stems

4. Flowers

The correct answer is: Roots

The pericycle is a layer of cells found in the roots of plants, situated just inside the endodermis and surrounding the vascular tissue. It plays a crucial role in root growth and development, as well as in the formation of lateral roots. The pericycle is responsible for giving rise to new structures, such as secondary roots, which help the plant in anchoring and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil more effectively. In contrast, leaves, stems, and flowers do not contain the pericycle. Leaves primarily involve structures related to photosynthesis and gas exchange. Stems serve to support the plant and transport nutrients and water between roots and leaves, while flowers are involved in reproduction. Hence, the presence of the pericycle is uniquely associated with roots, confirming that the correct answer is indeed the roots.