As compared to a dicot root, a monocot root has (a) more abundant secondary xylem (b) many xylem bundles (c) inconspicuous annual rings (d) relatively thicker periderm.
Option B In monocot root, secondary growth is absent and vascular cylinder is in the form of several alternate and radial xylem and phloem bundles. The vascular bundles are arranged in the form of ring around central pith. Their number in maize ranges between 20 – 30 whereas in Pandanus and palms, they may be upto 100. Because of the presence of numerous xylem bundles and exarch condition, xylem of monocot root is polyarch. On the other hand, in dicot root, xylem and phloem are equal in number (2 – 6) and alternately arranged i.e., they lie on different radii hence called radial bundles. According to number of ray (equivalent to number of xylem or phloem bundles) the roots may be diarch, triarch, tetrarch, pentarch or hexarch.
