Problem 142 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Assertion: Assimilatory roots can photosynthesize. Reason: Asimilatory roots possess chlorophyll.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Yes, assimilatory roots can photosynthesize since they possess chlorophyll that aids photosynthesis.

Step 1: Understanding Photosynthesis

The process of photosynthesis involves the transformation of light energy into chemical energy within plants and other organisms. This energy, stored in the form of glucose, is later used as an energy source for the organism's activities.

Step 2: Role of Chlorophyll in Photosynthesis

Chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs light, mainly in blue and red wavelengths. In plants, chlorophyll is housed in chloroplasts, where it absorbs light energy and starts the process of photosynthesis by exciting an electron.

Step 3: Understanding Assimilatory Roots

Assimilatory roots are roots that have developed the capacity for photosynthesis. They acquire this role due to their possession of chlorophyll, which allows them to absorb light and start photosynthesis.

Step 4: Connecting Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll, and Assimilatory Roots

Given the roles of photosynthesis and chlorophyll, and the characteristics of assimilatory roots, we can confirm that assimilatory roots can indeed photosynthesize due to their possession of chlorophyll.

Key Concepts

Photosynthesis Process

The magic of nature unfolds in the photosynthesis process, a fundamental biological activity that powers life on Earth. Plants, algae, and some bacteria perform this incredible feat, using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and water (H₂O) from the soil into glucose, a type of sugar. Oxygen (O₂) is released as a byproduct.

Let's break it down:

• Light Absorption: Sunlight is captured by chlorophyll, which resides in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
• Water Splitting: The absorbed light energy splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
• Carbon Fixation: The hydrogen combines with CO₂ in a cycle of reactions called the Calvin cycle, resulting in the production of glucose.

The glucose serves as a crucial energy source for the plant, fueling growth, and development. This elegant cycle not only sustains plants but also supports animal life by producing the oxygen we breathe and forming the base of the food chain.

Role of Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll plays a star role in the theater of photosynthesis. This green pigment is nature's solar panel, capturing sunlight to kickstart the energy transformation process. The presence of chlorophyll in plant cells enables this process by absorbing light primarily in the blue and red spectrums, while reflecting green, which gives plants their characteristic color.

Inside the chloroplasts, chlorophyll molecules are precisely arranged alongside other pigments and proteins. When sunlight hits these molecules, it excites their electrons, energizing them to higher levels. This energy is then transferred through a series of reactions to eventually synthesize glucose. The efficiency of chlorophyll at harvesting light makes it an indispensable component of photosynthesis, and ultimately, a driver of life on our planet.

Plant Biology

Diving deeper into plant biology reveals a complex and intricate world. Plants are composed of various organs like stems, leaves, roots, and flowers, each playing a unique role in the survival and reproduction of the species. Roots typically absorb water and nutrients, leaves serve as the main site of photosynthesis, and flowers are involved in reproduction.

However, in some exceptional cases, such as with assimilatory roots, we observe an overlap of functions. These specialized roots can contain chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis, an attribute not commonly associated with roots. The ability of assimilatory roots to photosynthesize illustrates the adaptability of plants to their environments, enabling them to maximize their capacity for growth and survival by using available resources in unconventional ways. These fascinating examples of plant diversity and adaptation underscore the importance of studying plant biology to understand the full spectrum of how life adapts and thrives on Earth.