All actively flowing broadleaf plants have __ at the end of each stem and in each leaf axil.

• A. Exposed growing points
• B. Buds under soil
• C. No growing points
• D. Buds inside stems

Answer: (A)

Growing occurs from meristematic growth points located at the tips of stems (apical buds) and in the leaf axils (axillary buds). These buds are exposed on the plant’s surface, ready to form new shoots, which is why actively growing broadleaf plants have visible buds at the end of each stem and in each leaf axil. This arrangement enables vertical growth from the tip and lateral branching from the axils. Buds buried under soil or inside stems aren’t the typical visible growing points for actively growing broadleaf plants, and having no growing points would mean the plant couldn’t resume growth. So, exposed growing points best describe these plants.