Biology Chapter - Morphology of Flowering Plants

Question 1

Common Traits of a Plant are?

Answer 1

Roots
Stems
Leaves
Flowers
Fruits

Question 2

Branched (Reticulate) Venation is a characteristic feature of a Monocot or Dicot?

Answer 2

Dicot

Question 3

Describe a Tap Root System, where it is found, and an example.

Answer 3

A tap root system has a primary root which contains (lateral) secondary roots branching out from the primary root. Tertiary roots also present.

Found in Dicots

Example: Mustard Plant

Question 4

Describe the Fibrous Root System, its structure, where it is found, and an example.

Answer 4

Fibrous root system has an initial, short lived primary root which is replaced by a large number of roots.
These roots originate from the base of the stem and are usually under the soil.

Found in Monocots

Example: Wheat

Question 5

What are adventitious roots?

Answer 5

Roots arising from part of the plant apart from the radicle.

Question 6

Examples of plants with adventitious roots.

Answer 6

Grass, Monstera and the Banyan Tree

Question 7

Functions of Roots

Answer 7

Absorption of water and minerals from soil

Providing anchorage and support

Storing reserve food material

Synthesis of plant growth regulators

Question 8

Name 5 regions of the root and their functions in brief

Answer 8

Root Cap - protects tender root apex

Region of meristematic activity - cells divide repeatedly

Region of elongation - cells undergo rapid elongation and enlargement responsible for root growth

Region of maturation - cells that have matured and have a fixed structure

Root hair(s) - fine thread like structures that absorb water and minerals from the soil through osmosis. Have increased SA.

Question 9

Types of Root modifications and example(s)

Answer 9

Storage of food (swollen roots store food)
Ex: Carrot and Turnip (Tap root)
Ex: Sweet potato (Adventitious root)

Roots for support
Ex: Prop roots of Banyan Tree
Ex: Stilt toots of maize and sugar can arising from lower nodes of plant.

Photosynthetic roots
Ex: Taeniophyllum, Trapa, Tinospora

Question 10

What are photosynthetic roots and where are they found?

Answer 10

Green, aerial, adventitious roots containing chlorophyll, which can prepare food through photosynthesis.

Found in swampy areas or in plants where leaves are unable to photosynthesize.

Ex: Rhizophora contain pneumatophores.