Practical Revision

Question 1

What are the major groups of plants that will be observed during the practicals?

Answer 1

Angiosperms, Pteridophytes, Bryophytes, Fungi

Fungi are not classified as plants.

Question 2

What is the role of field botanists in understanding landscapes?

Answer 2

They use plants to read the landscape, determine its use, and identify conservation steps.

Question 3

How many common plant families will be introduced during the practicals?

Answer 3

At least ten commonest plant families.

Question 4

What ecological process will be studied at Belhaven Bay?

Answer 4

Coastal fore-dune zonation and dune succession.

Question 5

What is the significance of mosses in dune ecosystems?

Answer 5

They help in fixing the top soil.

Question 6

What type of plants are some halophytes in salt marshes classified as?

Answer 6

C4 plants.

Question 7

How long have mosses and liverworts been around?

Answer 7

450 million years.

Question 8

What tools are often required for identifying species of bryophytes?

Answer 8

Field lens and sometimes a microscope.

Question 9

What are the two main divisions of fungi that will be observed?

Answer 9

Basidiomycota and Ascomycota.

Question 10

What are the spore-releasing methods of Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes?

Answer 10

Basidiomycetes are spore droppers; Ascomycetes are spore shooters.

Question 11

What role do many fungi species play in the environment?

Answer 11

They are mycorrhizal and support ecosystem health.

Question 12

True or False: Students can attend the outdoor practicals multiple times at each location.

Answer 12

False.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: It is critical that you arrive on time for the practical as the bus will leave without you if you are _______.

Answer 13

late

Question 14

What is required in terms of clothing for the field trip?

Answer 14

Decent outdoor walking footwear and weather appropriate clothing.

Question 15

What are the two main groups of cryptograms?

Answer 15

Bryophytes and Fungi.

Question 16

True or False: Bryophytes are vascular plants.

Answer 16

False.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The major divisions of bryophytes include ______, ______, and ______.

Answer 17

mosses, liverworts, hornworts.

Question 18

Which group of cryptograms is primarily non-vascular?

Answer 18

Bryophytes.

Question 19

List one characteristic that distinguishes fungi from bryophytes.

Answer 19

Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, while bryophytes have cell walls made of cellulose.

Question 20

What is the definition of saprotrophs?

Answer 20

Saprotrophs are organisms that obtain nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter.

Question 21

True or False: Mycorrhizas are symbiotic relationships between fungi and plant roots.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Saprotrophs play a crucial role in __________ by breaking down dead matter.

Answer 22

nutrient cycling

Question 23

What is the primary function of mycorrhizal fungi in terrestrial ecosystems?

Answer 23

To enhance nutrient and water absorption for plants.

Question 24

Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a benefit of mycorrhizal associations? A) Improved nutrient uptake B) Increased plant disease resistance C) Decreased soil fertility

Answer 24

C) Decreased soil fertility

Question 25

What role do saprotrophs play in the ecosystem?

Answer 25

They decompose organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil.

Question 26

True or False: Mycorrhizal fungi can only associate with one type of plant.

Answer 26

False

Question 27

Fill in the blank: Saprotrophs are essential for __________ in ecosystems.

Answer 27

decomposition

Question 28

What are the two main types of mycorrhizal associations?

Answer 28

Ectomycorrhizae and arbuscular mycorrhizae.

Question 29

Multiple choice: Which type of mycorrhizae forms a sheath around the root? A) Ectomycorrhizae B) Arbuscular mycorrhizae

Answer 29

A) Ectomycorrhizae

Question 30

What is the significance of saprotrophs in soil health?

Answer 30

They help maintain soil structure and fertility through organic matter decomposition.

Question 31

True or False: Mycorrhizal fungi can improve plant tolerance to drought.

Answer 31

True

Question 32

Fill in the blank: The relationship between saprotrophs and organic material is primarily __________.

Answer 32

decompositional

Question 33

What is the primary source of energy for saprotrophs?

Answer 33

Dead organic matter.

Question 34

Multiple choice: Which of the following organisms are considered saprotrophs? A) Fungi B) Bacteria C) Both A and B

Answer 34

C) Both A and B

Question 35

What are vascular plants?

Answer 35

Plants that have specialized tissues for transporting water and nutrients, including xylem and phloem.

Question 36

True or False: Bryophytes are vascular plants.

Answer 36

False

Question 37

Fill in the blank: Vascular plants include ______ and ______.

Answer 37

ferns; flowering plants

Question 38

What is the primary characteristic that differentiates bryophytes from vascular plants?

Answer 38

Bryophytes lack vascular tissues.

Question 39

Which of the following is a type of bryophyte? A) Moss B) Fern C) Pine

Answer 39

A) Moss

Question 40

What is the role of xylem in vascular plants?

Answer 40

To transport water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

Question 41

What are the three main groups of vascular plants?

Answer 41

Angiosperms, gymnosperms, and ferns.

Question 42

True or False: Bryophytes can grow in extremely dry environments.

Answer 42

False

Question 43

What defines the reproductive strategy of bryophytes?

Answer 43

They reproduce via spores and have a dominant gametophyte stage.

Question 44

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of vascular plants? A) Presence of roots B) Presence of flowers C) Absence of seeds

Answer 44

C) Absence of seeds

Question 45

What type of environment do bryophytes typically thrive in?

Answer 45

Moist and shaded environments.

Question 46

Fill in the blank: Vascular plants are typically larger than ______.

Answer 46

bryophytes

Question 47

What is a common example of a vascular plant?

Answer 47

Oak tree.

Question 48

True or False: Bryophytes have true roots, stems, and leaves.

Answer 48

False

Question 49

What is the primary function of phloem in vascular plants?

Answer 49

To transport sugars and organic nutrients throughout the plant.

Question 50

What are the two main stages in the life cycle of bryophytes?

Answer 50

Gametophyte and sporophyte stages.

Question 51

Multiple Choice: Which of the following structures is NOT found in bryophytes? A) Rhizoids B) Leaves C) Vascular tissue

Answer 51

C) Vascular tissue

Question 52

What is the significance of vascular tissue in plants?

Answer 52

It allows for the efficient transport of water, nutrients, and food, enabling larger growth.

Question 53

Fill in the blank: The dominant generation in vascular plants is the ______ generation.

Answer 53

sporophyte

Question 54

What adaptation allows vascular plants to colonize land effectively?

Answer 54

The development of vascular tissue.

Question 55

True or False: All vascular plants produce seeds.

Answer 55

False

Question 56

What is the main component of the bryophyte structure that anchors them to the substrate?

Answer 56

Rhizoids.

Question 57

List two observable differences between vascular plants and bryophytes.

Answer 57

Vascular plants have vascular tissue; bryophytes are typically smaller and lack true roots.

Question 58

What is the primary method of reproduction in vascular plants?

Answer 58

Seed production.

Question 59

Define bryophytes.

Answer 59

Non-vascular land plants that include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.

Question 60

What is fore-dune succession?

Answer 60

Fore-dune succession refers to the ecological progression of plant communities on the sandy areas in front of coastal dunes.

Question 61

Which types of plants are typically found in C4 photosynthesis pathways?

Answer 61

Plants that use C4 photosynthesis include many grasses, such as maize and sugarcane.

Question 62

True or False: C4 plants have an advantage over C3 plants in high-temperature environments.

Answer 62

True

Question 63

Fill in the blank: C4 plants are more efficient in _______ conditions compared to C3 plants.

Answer 63

high light and temperature

Question 64

What is the primary advantage of C4 photosynthesis in relation to salt-stressed plants?

Answer 64

C4 photosynthesis allows for better water-use efficiency and reduced photorespiration under salt stress.

Question 65

Name a common example of a C3 plant.

Answer 65

Wheat

Question 66

What does the term 'C4/C3 plants' refer to?

Answer 66

It refers to the comparison between plants utilizing C4 and C3 photosynthetic pathways.

Question 67

Which type of photosynthesis is generally more efficient in arid conditions?

Answer 67

C4 photosynthesis

Question 68

True or False: C3 plants are better suited for cooler climates.

Answer 68

True

Question 69

What role does the enzyme PEP carboxylase play in C4 plants?

Answer 69

PEP carboxylase catalyzes the first step in the C4 photosynthetic pathway, fixing carbon dioxide.

Question 70

Fill in the blank: C4 plants typically require _______ water than C3 plants.

Answer 70

less

Question 71

What is photorespiration, and why is it significant for C3 plants?

Answer 71

Photorespiration is a process that occurs when oxygen is fixed instead of carbon dioxide, which reduces the efficiency of photosynthesis in C3 plants.

Question 72

List one advantage of C4 plants in saline environments.

Answer 72

C4 plants can maintain higher rates of photosynthesis despite salt stress.

Question 73

What is the main difference in carbon fixation between C3 and C4 plants?

Answer 73

C3 plants fix carbon dioxide directly, while C4 plants first convert it into a four-carbon compound.

Question 74

True or False: C4 plants have a higher rate of transpiration compared to C3 plants.

Answer 74

False

Question 75

Fill in the blank: The _______ pathway is utilized by C4 plants to minimize water loss.

Answer 75

C4 photosynthetic

Question 76

How do C4 plants manage to thrive in high salinity conditions?

Answer 76

They possess specialized anatomy and biochemical pathways that enhance their water-use efficiency.

Question 77

What environmental factors typically favor the establishment of fore-dune succession?

Answer 77

Factors such as wind, sand availability, and salt spray influence fore-dune succession.

Question 78

What is one characteristic of the vegetation found in fore-dune succession?

Answer 78

The vegetation is often composed of salt-tolerant species.

Question 79

True or False: C4 plants can be found in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Answer 79

False

Question 80

Name a key benefit of C4 photosynthesis in a changing climate.

Answer 80

C4 photosynthesis provides resilience to drought and heat stress.

Question 81

What type of light conditions do C4 plants prefer?

Answer 81

They prefer high light intensity.

Question 82

Fill in the blank: The primary function of _______ in C4 plants is to concentrate carbon dioxide.

Answer 82

Kranz anatomy

Question 83

Define 'salt stress' in the context of plant biology.

Answer 83

Salt stress refers to the adverse effects on plant growth and development caused by high salinity levels in the soil.

Question 84

What is systemic acquired resistance (SAR)?

Answer 84

A defense mechanism where plants trigger immune responses after recognizing a pathogen. ## Footnote SAR allows for enhanced protection against subsequent pathogen attacks.

Question 85

What role does salicylic acid (SA) play in systemic acquired resistance?

Answer 85

SA accumulation induces SAR gene expression and leads to the production of pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins with antimicrobial properties. ## Footnote PR proteins help in combating pathogen infections.

Question 86

What is the significance of the *nahG* gene in the experiment?

Answer 86

*nahG* gene allows for testing the importance of SA, as transgenic plants carrying this gene cannot accumulate SA. ## Footnote These plants break down SA due to salicylate hydroxylase.

Question 87

How is peroxidase activity used in the experiment?

Answer 87

Peroxidase activity is measured as a marker for SA-induced resistance. ## Footnote Increased peroxidase activity indicates a successful SAR response.

Question 88

What disease does *Erwinia carotovora* cause in potatoes?

Answer 88

Blackleg disease. ## Footnote This disease is significant due to its impact on potato crop yield.

Question 89

What is the function of pectate lyase in *E. carotovora*?

Answer 89

Pectate lyase degrades pectin and other cell wall components, facilitating tissue breakdown and nutrient release. ## Footnote This enzymatic activity is crucial for the virulence of the pathogen.

Question 90

What experimental setup is used to study *E. carotovora* infection in potatoes?

Answer 90

Potato tuber slices and whole tubers from different cultivars are inoculated with wild-type and mutant strains of *E. carotovora*. ## Footnote Control samples are inoculated with sterile water.

Question 91

What is indicated by clear zones around inoculation sites on polygalacturonate agar plates?

Answer 91

Enzyme activity of pectate lyase, showing effective degradation of pectin by the wild-type strain compared to the mutant. ## Footnote The presence of clear zones demonstrates the virulence of the wild-type strain.

Question 92

What are pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins?

Answer 92

Proteins produced in response to pathogen infection that have antimicrobial properties. ## Footnote They play a key role in plant defense mechanisms.

Question 93

True or False: The study aims to reduce reliance on chemical protectants by breeding disease-resistant plants.

Answer 93

True. ## Footnote Insights from the study can inform strategies for developing resistant crop varieties.

Question 94

Fill in the blank: The practical exercise primarily focuses on _______ and the role of salicylic acid (SA).

Answer 94

plant immunity

Question 95

What is the main goal of understanding plant-pathogen interactions?

Answer 95

To address significant global crop losses, with over 20% affected annually. ## Footnote This understanding can lead to improved agricultural practices.