Lateral root arises from
a. Pericycle
b. Cortex
c. Pith
d. Endodermis

Hint: Lateral roots are the roots that extend horizontally from the radicle (primary root) and after late hour’s makeup the wide branching pattern of the root system. Gymnosperms and dicotyledons have lateral roots. Lateral roots anchor the plant tightly into the soil, increase uptake of water, facilitate the uptake of nutrients needed for the growth and development of the plant. Lateral roots also increase the surface area of the plant. Lateral roots arise from meristematic tissue.

Complete answer:
• A cylinder of parenchyma or sclerenchyma cells that is present inside the endodermis is known as the pericycle. The pericycle is the peripheral part of the stele of plants.
• The pericycle consists of non-vascular parenchyma cells; still, it is regarded as a part of the vascular cylinder as the pericycle arises from the procambium.
• In eudicots, the pericycle also can give rise to lateral roots.
• Primary meristem tissue gives rise to branch roots.
• Cortex gives rise to a tissue known as aerenchyma.
• Pith is a tissue in the stem of plants present in the young growth and lateral in older growth it is replaced by xylem. It stores and transports nutrients in the plant.
• The endodermis is the innermost layer of the cortex that consists of closely packed cells.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Additional information:
• In roots, the pericycle is surrounded by endodermis (inner cortical layer).
• It gives support, structure, and protection to the plant.
• The pericycle is involved in the initiation and development of lateral roots.
• It maintains the meristematic activity.

Note: Lateral roots arise from the meristematic tissue (pericycle). It is a unique layer of cells in plants. Lateral roots are produced when the layer of cells that surrounds the central vascular cylinder begins to divide and form additional cell layers that are pushed out through the outer cell layers of the primary root and eventually forms a second root meristem. Pericycle gives a better absorption of water to the plant from the soil.