Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

The growing point of a grass is __________.

1. leaf tip

2. root tip

3. flower

4. intercalary meristem

The correct answer is: intercalary meristem

The growing point of a grass is situated in the intercalary meristem. This specialized area of tissue is located at the base of the leaf blade and at the nodes of the grass Plant. The intercalary meristem enables grasses to grow rapidly after being grazed or cut because it allows for continued extension and growth of the leaves from within the stem. This characteristic is crucial for the survival and regrowth of grasses, especially in ecosystems where they face regular disturbances, such as grazing or mowing. In contrast, the other options represent various parts of a grass plant but do not serve the same function as the intercalary meristem. The leaf tip is primarily involved in photosynthesis and growth but is not the main site of active growth. The root tip is crucial for root development and nutrient absorption, while the flower plays a role in reproduction, but neither is responsible for the primary increasing height or growth typical of grasses.