Structural Organization in Animals Exercise 07

Question:

State the location and function of different types of meristematic tissues in plants.

Answer:

  1. Apical Meristem: Located at the tips of roots and shoots, the apical meristem is responsible for the growth of a plant in length.

  2. Intercalary Meristem: Located at the base of leaves and internodes, the intercalary meristem is responsible for the growth of a plant in width.

  3. Lateral Meristem: Located in the vascular and cork cambia, the lateral meristem is responsible for the growth of a plant in thickness.

  4. Procambium: Located in the root and shoot apices, the procambium is responsible for the formation of the primary xylem and phloem.

Question:

What is a periderm? How does periderm formation take place in the dicot stems?

Answer:

A. What is a periderm? Answer: Periderm is a protective tissue composed of cork cells, phelloderm cells, and sometimes lenticels, which forms on the surface of the stems and roots of woody dicots.

B. How does periderm formation take place in the dicot stems? Answer: Periderm formation in the dicot stems begins with the cork cambium, which is a layer of meristematic tissue found just beneath the epidermis. This cork cambium produces cells that become cork cells, which form the outermost layer of the periderm. The cork cells are thick-walled and waterproof, which helps to protect the stem from damage and water loss. Beneath the cork cells is a layer of phelloderm cells, which are thin-walled and help to store food. The phelloderm cells are followed by a layer of lenticels, which are small, porous openings that allow for gas exchange between the stem and the atmosphere.

Question:

Cork cambium forms tissues that form the cork. Do you agree with this statement? Explain.

Answer:

Yes, I agree with this statement. The cork cambium is a layer of cells located between the inner bark and the outer bark of a tree. These cells divide and form new layers of cells, which eventually become the cork. The cork is made up of dead cells that are filled with suberin, a waxy substance that helps protect the tree from water loss and disease. The cork cambium is therefore responsible for the formation of the cork, which is an important part of the tree’s overall health.

Question:

Name the three basic tissue systems in the flowering plants. Give the tissue names under each system.

Answer:

  1. Dermal Tissue System: -Epidermis

  2. Vascular Tissue System: -Xylem -Phloem

  3. Ground Tissue System: -Parenchyma -Collenchyma -Sclerenchyma

Question:

Explain the process of secondary growth in the stems of woody angiosperms with the help of schematic diagrams. What is its significance?

Answer:

Step 1: Understanding Secondary Growth in Woody Angiosperms: Secondary growth in woody angiosperms is a process of thickening and strengthening of the stem due to the activity of two lateral meristems, the vascular cambium and the cork cambium. The vascular cambium is responsible for the production of secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem (bark). The cork cambium is responsible for the production of cork cells (protective layer) and phelloderm (inner layer of bark).

Step 2: Schematic Diagrams: A schematic diagram of secondary growth in woody angiosperms can be seen below:

Step 3: Significance of Secondary Growth: The secondary growth in woody angiosperms is important for the development of the stem. It increases the strength and rigidity of the stem, allowing it to support the weight of the leaves and flowers. The secondary growth also provides protection to the stem from physical damage and pests. The cork cambium also helps to reduce water loss from the stem.

Question:

Draw illustrations to bring out the anatomical difference between (a) Monocot root and dicot root (b) Monocot stem and dicot stem

Answer:

A. Monocot Root vs. Dicot Root

Step 1: Draw a vertical line to divide the page in half.

Step 2: On the left side of the line, draw a diagram of a monocot root. Label the different parts, such as the root cap, primary root, and secondary roots.

Step 3: On the right side of the line, draw a diagram of a dicot root. Label the different parts, such as the root cap, primary root, tap root, and lateral roots.

Step 4: Draw arrows pointing from the monocot root to the dicot root, indicating the differences between them. For example, the monocot root has fewer and shorter lateral roots than the dicot root.

B. Monocot Stem vs. Dicot Stem

Step 1: Draw a vertical line to divide the page in half.

Step 2: On the left side of the line, draw a diagram of a monocot stem. Label the different parts, such as the epidermis, vascular bundles, and pith.

Step 3: On the right side of the line, draw a diagram of a dicot stem. Label the different parts, such as the epidermis, vascular bundles, and pith.

Step 4: Draw arrows pointing from the monocot stem to the dicot stem, indicating the differences between them. For example, the monocot stem has scattered vascular bundles, while the dicot stem has a ring of vascular bundles.

Question:

How is the study of plant anatomy useful to us?

Answer:

  1. Plant anatomy is the study of the structure and form of plants.

  2. This study is important because it helps us to understand how plants work and how they interact with their environment.

  3. Plant anatomy can also help us to identify and classify different species of plants, which is useful for conservation efforts.

  4. Additionally, studying plant anatomy can help us to understand how plants respond to different environmental conditions, such as drought and flooding.

  5. This knowledge can be used to develop better agricultural practices, which can help to improve crop yields and reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

  6. Finally, plant anatomy can also be used to develop new medicines and treatments, as many plants contain compounds or substances that have medicinal properties.

Question:

The transverse section of a plant material shows the following anatomical features: (a) The vascular bundles are conjoint, scattered and surrounded by a sclerenchymatous bundle sheaths. (b) Phloem parenchyma is absent. What will you identify it as?

Answer:

Step 1: Identify the presence of vascular bundles, which are conjoint, scattered and surrounded by sclerenchymatous bundle sheaths.

Step 2: Identify the absence of phloem parenchyma.

Step 3: Based on the anatomical features described, the plant material can be identified as a monocotyledon.