Morphology of Flowering Plants

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What is morphology in the context of flowering plants?

Morphology is the study of the form and structure of organisms, in this case, the form and structure of flowering plants including their roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.

What are tap roots?

Tap roots are the main central root from which other side roots emerge. It is characteristic of dicotyledons, such as carrot and radish.

What is the function of root hairs?

Root hairs increase the surface area of roots for better absorption of water and nutrients.

What is a fibrous root system?

A fibrous root system is a type of root system that consists of many small roots of similar size, and it is typical of monocotyledonous plants like grasses.

What is an inflorescence?

Inflorescence is a group or cluster of flowers arranged on a stem that is composed of a main branch or a complex arrangement of branches.

Name two types of leaf venation and briefly describe them.

Parallel venation, where veins run parallel to each other (common in monocots), and reticulate venation, where veins form a network (common in dicots).

What are modified stems? Give an example.

Modified stems are stems that have adapted for special functions, such as storage, reproduction, or protection. An example is a potato tuber, which stores nutrients.

Describe the structure of a typical flower.

A typical flower has four main parts: sepals, petals, stamens (male reproductive organs), and carpels/pistils (female reproductive organs).

What is the role of sepals?

Sepals protect the flower bud before it opens and often support the petals when in bloom.

What is phyllotaxy?

Phyllotaxy is the pattern of arrangement of leaves on the stem or branch of a plant.

Describe alternate phyllotaxy.

In alternate phyllotaxy, a single leaf is attached at each node of the stem, and the pattern alternates as you move up the stem.

What is the main function of leaves in flowering plants?

The main function of leaves is to perform photosynthesis, the process by which plants make food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.

What is the difference between a complete and an incomplete flower?

A complete flower has all four parts: sepals, petals, stamens, and pistils. An incomplete flower is missing one or more of these parts.

What is the significance of modified roots?

Modified roots serve various functions such as storage (carrots), aerial support (banyan tree), and respiration (mangroves with pneumatophores).

Define and give an example of a fruit.

A fruit is a mature ovary of a flower containing seeds. An example is an apple.





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1. What is morphology in the context of flowering plants?

The function of roots in absorbing nutrients and water.

The arrangement of flowers on a stem.

The study of the form and structure of flowering plants, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.

The process by which plants produce flowers.

2. What are tap roots?

The main central root from which side roots emerge, typical of dicotyledons like carrot and radish.

Small roots that grow on the surface of the soil.

Roots that primarily grow horizontally in the soil.

Root structures that extend above the ground to support the stem.

3. What is the function of root hairs?

To protect the plant from soil insects.

To anchor the plant firmly in the soil.

To increase the surface area of roots for better absorption of water and nutrients.

To store food produced by photosynthesis.

4. What is a fibrous root system?

A central root system from which many large roots branch.

A root system with air roots for respiration.

A root system with many small roots of similar size, typical of monocotyledonous plants.

A combination of tap root and adventitious roots.

5. What is an inflorescence?

A type of seed dispersal method.

A group or cluster of flowers arranged on a main branch or in a complex arrangement.

A process of photosynthesis in plants.

A single flower on a stem.

6. Name two types of leaf venation and briefly describe them.

Perpendicular venation, where veins form a grid pattern.

Parallel venation, common in monocots, and reticulate venation, common in dicots.

Longitudinal venation, where veins run perpendicular to each other.

Circular venation, where veins form concentric circles.

7. What are modified stems? Give an example.

Stems adapted for special functions like storage; an example is a potato tuber.

Roots that turn into flowers.

Leaves that have become stems.

Stems with harmful thorns for plant defense.

8. Describe the structure of a typical flower.

A structure composed only of petals and stem.

A stem with a collection of leaves arranged in a circle.

Four main parts: sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels/pistils.

The root system part that absorbs nutrients.

9. What is the role of sepals?

To attract pollinators with vibrant colors.

To perform photosynthesis for the plant.

To aid in the pollination process by producing nectar.

To protect the flower bud before it opens and support petals when blooming.

10. What is phyllotaxy?

The pattern of arrangement of leaves on a stem or branch.

The venation pattern found in leaves.

The color variation in plant leaves.

The arrangement of seeds within a fruit.

11. Describe alternate phyllotaxy.

All leaves are arranged at the top of the stem.

Two leaves grow at each node on the opposite side.

A single leaf is attached at each node, alternating as you move up the stem.

Leaves form a rosette at the base of the stem.

12. What is the main function of leaves in flowering plants?

To support the plant structure.

To help with the reproduction of plants.

To perform photosynthesis, making food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.

To capture insects for nutrients.

13. What is the difference between a complete and an incomplete flower?

A complete flower lacks petals, while an incomplete flower has them.

A complete flower has sepals, petals, stamens, and pistils; an incomplete flower is missing one or more of these.

A complete flower only blooms in spring, whereas an incomplete one does not.

A complete flower has perfect symmetry.

14. What is the significance of modified roots?

They serve functions like storage, support, and respiration, e.g., carrots, banyan tree, mangroves.

They help to increase the height of the plant.

To attract pollinators during the blooming season.

To grow faster and taller than the main stem.

15. Define and give an example of a fruit.

A vegetable-like structure that protects seeds.

A mature ovary of a flower containing seeds; an example is an apple.

The photosynthetic part of a plant.

The reproductive organ of a plant, similar to a flower.