Which of the following best describes characteristics of monocots?

Monocots, or monocotyledons, exhibit distinctive characteristics that set them apart from dicots (or dicotyledons). The option that best encompasses these traits describes monocots as having stems without vascular cambium, scattered vascular bundles, and leaves with parallel veins.

Firstly, the absence of vascular cambium in monocots means that their growth is primarily determined by cell division in the apical meristem rather than through secondary growth typically seen in dicots. This structural difference affects how monocots develop and maintain their stems, which are generally more herbaceous and less woody.

The arrangement of vascular bundles is another key characteristic. In monocots, vascular bundles are scattered throughout the stem tissue rather than being organized in a ring formation as observed in dicots. This scattered distribution contributes to the overall organization and growth patterns of monocots.

Additionally, the leaf structure in monocots is characterized by parallel venation, which is a significant identifying feature. Unlike dicots, which typically have leaves with a net-like pattern of veins, the parallel veins of monocot leaves contribute to their streamlined and elongated appearance.

Combining all these characteristics provides a comprehensive understanding of monocots, thereby making the option that includes all three elements the best choice for describing their defining traits