Where is the grasses growing point located?

• A. On the leaves
• B. In the roots
• C. At the tip of the shoots
• D. At the base of the plant

Answer: (D)

In grasses, the growing point (the meristem that drives new shoot growth) sits at the base of the plant, inside the crown near the soil surface. This placement protects the meristem from grazing and damage and lets the plant rapidly produce new leaves and tillers after defoliation. The shoot apex at the tip is not where grass growth primarily occurs, and growth in roots is separate from shoot regrowth. Leaves themselves aren’t where the main growing point resides. So, the base of the plant is the correct location for the grasses’ growing point.