Problem 108 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Assertion: Food has to be translocated to all non green parts of plant. Reason: Non-green part can't synthesize their food.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Yes, the reason correctly justifies the assertion. Food, synthesized in the green parts of the plant, needs to be translocated to the non-green parts which can't synthesise their own food.

Step 1: Understand the assertion

The assertion states that food must be transported to all non-green parts ​​of the plant. This is because food synthesis or photosynthesis mainly occurs in the green parts of the plant, primarily the leaves. This food then needs to be distributed to all parts of the plant.

Step 2: Examine the reason

The reason provided is that non-green parts of the plant cannot synthesize their own food. This is generally true, as photosynthesis, the process through which plants produce food, requires chlorophyll – a pigment generally found in green parts of the plants.

Step 3: Evaluate if the reason justifies the assertion

Given that non-green parts can't synthesize their food as they lack chlorophyll, and the assertion states food needs to be translocated to all non-green parts of the plant, it can be concluded that the reason accurately justifies the assertion. The reason correctly explains the need for the translocation of food which is synthesised in the green parts of the plant, to the non-green parts which are unable to synthesise their own food.

Key Concepts

Understanding Photosynthesis in Plants

Photosynthesis is a vital process for plants, allowing them to produce the food they need for survival. This process mainly takes place in the leaves of the plant, which house special cells containing chlorophyll. The process can be simplified into a fundamental chemical reaction: plants take in carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil and use sunlight to turn these into glucose and oxygen.
Plants use glucose as a source of energy and as a building block for growth. Oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a by-product, which is crucial for life on Earth.

• Plants must capture light energy from the sun to fuel the photosynthesis reactions.
• Leaves are the primary sites of photosynthesis, due to their chlorophyll-rich cells.
• The equation for photosynthesis is as follows: \[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ext{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \]

By converting light energy into chemical energy, photosynthesis supports almost all life forms on Earth, both directly and indirectly.

The Role of Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is the unique green pigment found in plants that plays a crucial role in photosynthesis. It is most prominently located within the chloroplasts of leaf cells, where it captures light energy from the sun. Chlorophyll is responsible for the green color of plants and is essential for absorbing the light necessary to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

• Chlorophyll absorbs light most efficiently in the blue and red wavelength regions.
• It reflects green light, which is why plants appear green to us.
• The structure of chlorophyll allows it to effectively capture light and transfer it to the photosynthesis reaction center.

Without chlorophyll, plants would not be able to carry out photosynthesis effectively, severely limiting their growth and survival.

Food Translocation in Plants

Food translocation refers to the transport of food or nutrients from the leaves, where they are produced, to other parts of the plant. This is crucial because not all parts of the plant are capable of photosynthesis. Many non-green parts, such as roots and flowers, depend on this transported food for energy and growth.

• The primary route for food translocation is through specialized tissues known as phloem.
• Phloem consists of tubular cells that efficiently transport sugars and other organic compounds.
• The process is vital for plant growth, development, and reproduction, as all parts of the plant eventually need energy derived from photosynthesis.

By ensuring that every part of the plant receives the necessary nutrients, food translocation supports overall plant health and functionality.