Question
NEET 2022 (paraphrased): Regarding plant growth and development, which of the following statements is correct? (a) meristematic tissue refers to RGR = (ln W₂ − ln W₁)/(t₂ − t₁) (b) relative growth rate is characterised by region of active cell division (c) differentiation — mature cells take on specific functions (d) vernalisation has no role in plant growth and development
Solution — Step by Step
This option swaps the definitions. meristematic tissue is actually region of active cell division, not what (a) claims. So (a) is out.
Similarly, relative growth rate means RGR = (ln W₂ − ln W₁)/(t₂ − t₁). Option (b) is mismatched. Out.
This one reads correctly: differentiation — mature cells take on specific functions. Match with NCERT wording confirms it.
vernalisation — cold treatment that promotes flowering — plays a real role in plant growth and development, so option (d) is factually wrong.
Correct answer: (c) differentiation — mature cells take on specific functions.
Why This Works
NEET PYQs on plant growth and development rely on definition swapping. The examiner takes two correct facts and pairs them with the wrong terms. If you know each fact cold, the MCQ dissolves in 20 seconds.
Alternative Method
For definition-swap MCQs, don’t read all four options first. Read option (a), decide true/false, then (b), and so on. This prevents confusion between similar-looking options.
NEET reuses the same fact set every 2–3 years with different distractors. Master the four NCERT facts on plant growth and development listed here and you’ll handle almost any MCQ on this chapter.
Common Mistake
Students second-guess themselves when they see a familiar option listed as “wrong” in the stem. Trust the elimination — if you know the definition, stick with it.
Keep a one-page sheet of definitions for every NEET chapter. Revise only that sheet in the last 48 hours before the exam.