AP Biology › Understanding Other Plant Macrostructures
Which of the following is true regarding meristem tissue in plants?
All of these
It contains undifferentiated cells
It is present in areas of growth
There is a shoot and root apical meristem
Meristem tissue contains undifferentiated cells and allows for plant growth. Apical meristems are found in areas of growth, which include the shoot and roots—cells in these tissues divide rapidly.
Which of the following best describes the location of the vascular cambium in plants?
Between the xylem and phloem
In the tips of leaves
In the periderm
None of these
The vascular cambium is a type of secondary meristem tissue located between the xylem and phloem of the stems and roots. Secondary meristem tissues are responsible for lateral growth; more specifically, the vascular cambium is responsible for secondary xylem and phloem development.
Which of the following is not true regarding the cork cambium?
It is the source of secondary xylem and phloem growth
It is located in the periderm
It is a type of secondary meristem
It is the source of secondary epidermis growth
The cork cambium is a type of secondary meristem tissue found in the periderm. Cork cambium controls lateral growth; specifically, it is the source of secondary epidermis growth.
Of the following answer choices, which most accurately describes the mechanism that the stems of plants use to grow toward light?
Cells on the darker side of the stem elongate more than cells on the lighter side
Photosynthetic processes dictate the growth
The growth of the stem is determined by metabolic processes, which are stimulated by light striking the stems
The plant will grow away from other plants so as to minimize competition
Contractile cells on the light side of the stems dictate the growth toward light
Plants grow so as to maximize the elongation of their stems as much as possible. Cells on the lighter side of the stem are already being provided with photosynthetic energy, while cells on the darker side are receiving less of this energy input. This causes the cells on the darker side to elongate toward the energy source. When one side of the stem is longer than the other, it causes a curve in the growth, resulting in a directionality of the growth of the stem.
Plant root systems can be generally categorized as either taproot systems or fibrous root systems. Which of the following is a characteristic of a fibrous root system?
Fibrous root systems do not penetrate deeply into the soil
Fibrous root systems consist of a series of roots that spread out from a major single root
Fibrous root systems usually penetrate deeply into the soil
Fibrous root systems are well adapted to soil where ground water is not close to the surface
Fibrous root systems are common in seedless vascular plants and in most monocots, such as grasses. Many small roots grow from the stem of the plant and are considered adventitious (a term describing a plant organ that grows in an unusual location).
Fibrous roots have no main root and do not penetrate deeply into the soil, usually penetrating only a few centimeters. As such, fibrous root systems are best adapted to shallow soil. This also helps prevent erosion, as the shallow, highly-branched roots hold the topsoil in place.
Which of the following are true of the root cap?
It protects the tip of the plant and secretes mucilage
It contains a zone of elongation, which lengthens the root
It grows away from the pull of gravity
It forms the outermost cuticle layer of the entire root
It contains xylem cells, which transport water to the leaves
The root cap occurs on the end of any root. It protects the tip of a plant's root. Specifically, it protects the apical meristem of the plant, which lengthens the root and helps it grow. Also root cap secretes a polysaccharide slime called mucilage. The zone of elongation does occur in roots, but it is not contained to the root cap. The root cap grows towards the pull of gravity. The root cap occurs only on the tip of the root, not over the entire surface of the root. These cells only protect the root; they are not xylem cells, which function in transport of water and nutrients from the roots up to the leaves.
Which of the following best describes where parenchyma cells can be found in plants?
All of these
Roots
Stems
Leaves
Parenchyma cells make up a type of ground tissue in plants. Parenchyma cells compose most of the soft tissues in plants including leaves, roots, stems, and seeds. The functions of parenchyma cells include photosynthesis, storage, and wound repair.
Which of the following is not a usually function of the roots of a plant?
Performance of photosynthesis
Providing stability
Obtaining water and nutrients from the soil
Storage of carbohydrates
None of these
Roots are usually underground and not exposed to sunlight, do not usually contain chlorophyll, thus they do not perform photosynthesis. However, roots do provide stabiity, obtain water and nutrients from the soil, and store carbohydrates.
Which of the following best describes the location of the receptacle on an angiosperm?
At the top of the stem
Attached to the anther
Inside the ovary
At the top of the ovary
The receptacle is the part of an angiosperm out of which the flower grows; thus, the receptacle is at the top of the stem.
Which of the following is contained in the carpel?
Ovules
Anther
Stamen
Flower
The carpel is a part of the female angiosperm reproductive system. The carpel includes the ovary, ovules, style, and stigma. Flowers may have several carpels clustered into a pistil.