AP BIOLOGY

PLANTS

TRANSPORT IN PLANTS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Some fungi cause wilting in crop plants by growing within the xylem vessels. Which process will be directly affected by these fungi?
A
cohesion between water molecules
B
development of root pressure
C
mass flow during translocation
D
uptake of water by root hair cells
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -The xylem becomes clogged by mycelium and spores, and by plant-produced gels, gums and tyloses. Water transport to the leaves fails, and the plant wilts and dies. The fungus then invades all plant tissues and obtains nutrition by decomposing them. When the fungus reaches the plant surface it sporulates profusely.

Detailed explanation-2: -The fungus initially blocks the xylem and grows extensively within parenchyma. As the plant continues to wilt, the blockage of both xylem and phloem can be observed. The result is the suppression of both the xylem sap circulation in the plant and photosynthetic activity in the leaves.

Detailed explanation-3: -Complete answer: When xylem vessels are plugged or blocked, then it might result in loss of availability of water in surrounding receiver cells; which ultimately reduces the turgor pressure. This will lead to loss of rigidity of cells and lead to wilting.

Detailed explanation-4: -Answer and Explanation: Water cohesion in xylem vessels is promoted by d. the vessel elements forming narrow tubes. These narrow tubes create capillary action, or the movement of water against gravity when in a narrow tube.

There is 1 question to complete.