The cells of the quiescent centre are characterised by
having dense cytoplasm and prominent nuclei
having light cytoplasm and small nuclei
dividing regularly to add to the corpus
dividing regularly to add to tunica
B.
having light cytoplasm and small nuclei
In the apices ofsome roots, (e.g., Zea mays, maize), there is a central region of cells which normally does not divide. This central inactive region was called quiescent centre by FE.A.L. Clowes (1959, 1961).
The cells of this region have lesser amounts of RNA and DNA so they have small nuclei. These cells also have a lower rate of protein synthesis. Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum arc less developed. The cells of the quiescent centre arc usually inactive. However, if already existing meristematic cells are injured or become inactive due to any other reason, the cells ofquiescent centre become active.
