What is dichotomous branching?

Question

Sebastian Alvarado · Accepted Answer

In dichotomous branching, two branches of equal thickness are formed at every point of branching.

The most prevalent kind of branching in plants, lateral branching, must be understood in order to comprehend dichotomous branching. In lateral branching, the apical meristem drives the main stem's growth, while axillary meristems that emerged from the apical meristems at the time the leaf primordia originated give rise to lateral branches. The growth of the apical meristem in dichotomous branching, in contrast to lateral branching, is not infinite; after a certain distance, it divides into two equal parts, each of which develops into a branch. Every time a branch splits, two branches of equal size are formed. This process is repeated.

Isabella Anderson · Answer

undefined Dichotomous branching, which is distinguished from other types of branching patterns like alternate or opposite branching, which occur when branches arise from specific points along the main stem or branch, is a pattern of branching in which a single stem or branch divides into two equal branches or stems. Each division produces two branches that are roughly equal in size and continue to grow independently.