Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

Both examples — buds on Bryophyllum leaf margins and buds (eyes) in potato tuber notches — reveal that the presence of actively dividing meristematic cells (buds) in the plant part is the fundamental requirement for vegetative propagation to succeed.

A plant part can give rise to a new plant only if it contains such buds or growing points, which are capable of cell division and differentiation. Parts lacking buds (e.g., potato pieces without notches) fail to develop into new plants, regardless of the conditions provided. Thus, the plant part must have a bud or meristematic region to regenerate into a complete new individual.

Source: Chapter 7, Section 7.2.5 — Vegetative Propagation

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What examiners look for:

• The key concept: presence of buds/meristematic cells is essential — not just any plant part.
• The comparative logic: potato pieces without notches don't grow; Bryophyllum buds with meristematic tissue do.
• Do not simply list advantages of vegetative propagation — the question asks what both examples reveal about the fundamental requirement.
• Mentioning "cell division" or "differentiation" adds marks. The word meristematic is ideal but "bud with dividing cells" is acceptable.