AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Lateral Meristems are observed in stems and roots of the plant body. Lateral meristem stimulates the increase in the girth of stem and root. It increases the lateral thickness of the plant stem and root. Hence, lateral meristem helps in increasing the girth.

Detailed explanation-2: -Lateral meristems are known as secondary meristems because they are responsible for secondary growth, or increase in stem girth and thickness.

Detailed explanation-3: -Lateral meristem divide rapidly laterally giving thickness to plant by increasing the girth and width.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lateral meristems are the meristems that are present at the longitudinal axis region of the roots and shoots of the plants. The function of lateral meristem is to increase the thickness of the plants.

Detailed explanation-5: -So, the correct answer is ‘Thickness’