The length of different internodes in a culm of sugarcane is variable because of
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shoot apical meristem
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position of axillary buds
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size of leaf lamina at the node below each internode
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intercalary meristem
D.
intercalary meristem
Intercalary meristem is prsent away from apical meristem in primary permanent tissue. It is present at the base of internodes, eg, in family-Gramineae or at the base of leaves, eg, Pinus or at the base of the node, eg, Mentha. Intercalary meristem is responsible for the increase in length.
The shoot apical meristem present at the apices of the shoot is self-determining and autonomous organising centre. The primary growth and differentiation of primary tissue are entirely due to this meristem as it continuously divides giving rise to new cells. These are the apical meristems that increase the length of the plant but not internodes variability.
