Short Q/A Plant Physiology - Students Free Notes

Explain the process of active transport in plants.

Active transport in plants is the process by which cells use energy (ATP) to move substances, such as minerals and ions, against their concentration gradient. In the roots, active transport allows the plant to absorb essential nutrients like potassium, nitrate, and phosphate from the soil, even when these substances are present in lower concentrations in … Read more

What is the role of phloem in plants?

Phloem is responsible for transporting the products of photosynthesis, primarily sugars like sucrose, from the leaves (the source) to other parts of the plant (the sinks), such as roots and fruits. This process is known as translocation and involves the movement of sap through the phloem, driven by pressure differences. Related Questions: Why is transpiration … Read more

What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion in plants?

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration. Diffusion, on the other hand, is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. While osmosis involves only water, diffusion can … Read more

What are the factors that affect the rate of transpiration?

The rate of transpiration is influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and light intensity. Higher temperatures and wind speeds increase the rate of transpiration, while higher humidity decreases it. The stomatal opening also plays a significant role, as more open stomata increase water loss. Related Questions: Why is transpiration called a necessary … Read more

What is the role of guard cells in stomatal function?

Guard cells are specialized cells that surround stomata and control their opening and closing. When guard cells take up water, they swell, causing the stomata to open. This allows the exchange of gases, such as carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and oxygen release. When guard cells lose water, they shrink, causing the stomata to close, reducing … Read more

Write the difference between:

Micronutrients and macronutrients: Macronutrients are nutrients required in large amounts, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while micronutrients are required in smaller quantities, like iron, manganese, and zinc. Hydrophytes and xerophytes: Hydrophytes are plants that grow in aquatic environments and are adapted to submerged conditions, while xerophytes are plants adapted to dry conditions, often with specialized … Read more

Why do plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during daytime and dusk?

During the daytime, plants engage in photosynthesis, where they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as a byproduct. At dusk, photosynthesis slows down or stops, and the plant switches to respiration, during which it absorbs oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. Related Questions: Why is transpiration called a necessary evil? What is the composition of translocating … Read more

What is the pattern of gas exchange between plant and environment at the time of dawn and dusk?

At dawn and dusk, plants absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide as part of respiration. During the night, when photosynthesis doesn’t occur, plants continue to respire, absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. At dawn, as light levels increase, photosynthesis begins, leading to the absorption of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen. Related Questions: Why … Read more

Write any three osmotic adjustments in hydrophytes.

Hydrophytes have specialized cells with a higher concentration of solutes to retain water. Their vacuoles maintain high water potential to facilitate water uptake from the surrounding environment. The presence of large air spaces within their tissues allows for easier gas exchange and helps in buoyancy. Related Questions: Why is transpiration called a necessary evil? What … Read more