Question 1:

How many systems does a flowering plant have? Name them.

ANSWER:

A flowering plant has two systems. These are root system and the shoot system. The root
system is the part of the plant that remains within the ground. The shoot system, on the
other hand, is the part of the plant that grows above the ground.

Page No 84:

Question 2:

In which kind of root system is there no thick main root? Give two examples of plants that
have such a root system.
ANSWER:

Thick main root is not found in fibrous root system. In this type of root system, roots
generally arise from the stem base. Some examples of plants that have fibrous root system
are barley and maize.

Page No 84:

Question 3:

Plants need sunshine, air, water and mineral salts. Which of these are supplied by the root?
ANSWER:

Roots provide water and mineral salts to the plants. Mineral salts and water are present in
the soil and these substances are absorbed by the roots. These substances are then
supplied to different parts of the plant.

Page No 84:

Question 4:

Give one example each of the following.

a. a small plant that will never grow up to be a big plant

b. a root that we eat
c. a plant that has additional roots emerging from its branches
ANSWER:
a. An example of a small plant that will never grow up to be a big plant is tomato plant.

b. One of the examples of root that we eat is turnip.

c. An example of a plant having additional roots that emerge from its branches
is sugarcane plant.

Page No 84:

Question 5:

What is the function of the roots in 4c above?

ANSWER:

The roots whose description has been provided in 4c are called prop roots. The basic
function of these roots is to provide additional support to the plant and keep it an upright
position.

Page No 88:

Question 1:

Which substances does the stem help in transporting? Name the starting points and
destinations of each substance.
ANSWER:

A stem helps in the transportation of food, water and minerals to every part of the plant. The
starting point for the absorption of minerals and water is the roots and these are destined for
buds, fruits, flowers, fruits and leaves. The food is produced in the leaves and it is then
transported to all parts of the plants.

Page No 88:

Question 2:

Other than the main functions that almost all stems perform, there are other specialised
functions performed by stems of some plants. Name two such plants and the specialised
function performed by their stems.
ANSWER:

In addition to the main functions such as conduction of water, food and minerals, stems can
perform following specialised functions:

1. Provide support: In case of grapewine, the stem is modified into minute thread-like
structures called stem tendrils. These stem tendrils have the ability to coil around any
rough surface and provide support to the plant.

2. Store food: In case of ginger, the stem is modified to store food. The stem in this case
lies underground and functions to store additional food material.

Page No 88:

Question 3:

During photosynthesis, leaves convert water and carbon dioxide to a kind of sugar called
glucose. If that is so, all food stored by the plant should be sweet. But this is not so. Why?
ANSWER:

The glucose produced by the plants is further converted into a complex sugar called starch,
which does not have a sweet taste. This is reason that all food stored by the plant is not
sweet.

Page No 88:

Question 4:

A plant is found to have fibrous roots. Can you say what kind of venation its leaves have?
ANSWER:

Plants that have fibrous roots generally have parallel venation. In this type of venation, the
veins of the leaves are aligned parallel to each other.

Page No 88:

Question 5:

Leaves in some plants are modified to also perform functions other than making food. Name
two such modifications and give one example of each
ANSWER:
In addition to making food for the plants, leaves can be modified to following structures in
some plants:

1. Tendrils: In plants such as Gloriosa, leaves are modified into tendrils. These tendrils
have the ability to coil across objects and provide support to the plants.

2. Spines: In certain desert plants such as cactus, the leaves are modified into spines. This
modification allows cactus to minimise water loss and it also protects the plant from grazing
animals.

Page No 88:

Question 6:

Both stem and leaf can get modified into tendrils. True or false? If true, give one example of
each. If false, give the correct statement.
ANSWER:

It is true that both leaves and stems can be modified to form tendrils. The basic function of
stem and leaf tendril is to provide support to the plant. Stem tendrils can be found
in passion flower plants, whereas leaf tendrils are found in Gloriosa plant.

Page No 90:

Question 1:

Unlike humans many flowers have the male and female organs in the same flower. Name
these organs.
ANSWER:

The male organ of a flower is called stamen and the female organ of a flower is
called carpel. Stamens are formed by anther and filaments, whereas carpels are formed by
ovary, style and stigma.

Page No 90:

Question 2:

The relationship between a honeybee and a flower benefits both. How?

ANSWER:

The relationship between flower and honeybee is beneficial for both because the flowers
get pollinated with the help of honeybee and the honeybee obtains nectar from the flower.
Thus, both flower and honeybee are mutually benefited.

Page No 90:

Question 3:

What changes occur in a flower after pollination?

ANSWER:

After pollination, following changes occur in a flower:

1. The ovary becomes swollen and is converted into a fruit.

2. The ovules develop into seeds after pollination.

Page No 91:

Question 1:

A medium-size plant with a hard, brown, thin stem describes a

(a) herb.
(b) shrub.
(c) tree.
(d) creeper.
ANSWER:

(b) shrub

Shrub describes a medium-sized plant with a hard, brown, thin stem.

Page No 91:

Question 2:
Which of these plants has a tap root?
(a) maize
(b) grass
(c) wheat
(d) pea
ANSWER:

(d) pea

Root system of a plant having main roots, from which several branch roots develop, is
called tap root system. The pea plant has a tap root system.

Page No 91:

Question 3:

Which of these plants stores food in their roots?

(a) pea
(b) onion
(c) carrot
(d) potato
ANSWER:

(c) Carrot

Carrot plant stores food in their roots.

Page No 91:

Question 4:

The tendril in a pea plant is a modified

(a) stem.
(b) leaf.
(c) root.
(d) flower.
ANSWER:

(a) stem
The tendril in a pea plant is a modified stem which is coiled to provide support to the plant.

Page No 91:
Question 5:

The spines of a cactus plant are modified

(a) stems.
(b) leaves.
(c) roots.
(d) flowers.
ANSWER:

(b) leaves.

The leaves of a cactus plant are modified to spines to prevent loss of water.

Page No 91:

Question 6:

In which plant does photosynthesis take place in the stem rather than in the leaves?
(a) Bougainvillea
(b) potato
(c) onion
(d) cactus
ANSWER:

(d) cactus.

In cactus, leaves are modified into spines. It is the green stem that performs all the
functions to be performed by leaves including photosynthesis.

Page No 91:

Question 7:

Which of these is the male part of a flower?

(a) sepals
(b) petals
(c) stamens
(d) pistil
ANSWER:

(c) stamens.
Stamens are the male part of a flower, consisting of thin green stalk called anther.
 Page No 91:

Question 8:

Which part of the flower turns into a fruit?

(a) sepals
(b) anther
(c) ovary
(d) stigma
ANSWER:

(c) ovary.

Ovary is the part of the flower, which after pollination turns into a fruit.

Page No 91:

Question 9:

The reproductive organ of a flowering plant is the

(a) pollen grains.
(b) flower.
(c) pistil.
(d) stamen.
ANSWER:

(b) flower.

Flower is the reproductive organ of a flowering plant.

Page No 91:

Question 10:

Which part of a plant regulates its water content?

(a) root
(b) stem
(c) leaf
(d) flower
ANSWER:
(c) leaves

The leaves of a plant regulate its water content through transpiration. As the plant loses
water through transpiration, nutrients mixed with water are drawn up from the roots.

Page No 92:

Question 1:

Ferns are ____________ plants. (flowering/non-flowering)

ANSWER:

Ferns are non-flowering plants.

Page No 92:

Question 2:

Grasses are ___________ (herbs/shrubs/trees)

ANSWER:

Grasses are herbs.

Page No 92:

Question 3:

Name the two systems in a plant.

ANSWER:

The two systems in a plant are root system and shoot system.

Page No 92:

Question 4:

What does this describe: 'A number of thin fibre-like roots arising from the base of the
stem'?
ANSWER:

'A number of thin fibre-like roots arising from the base of the stem', describes a grass
plant. These roots are called as fibrous roots.

Page No 92:

Question 5:

Is the fleshy underground part of the ginger plant a root or a stem?

ANSWER:

The underground fleshy part of the ginger plant is a modified stem that stores food.

Page No 92:

Question 6:

Name one root that is modified to store food.

ANSWER:

The tap roots of radish are modified to store food.

Page No 92:

Question 7:

What are the roots that grow from the branches of a banyan tree called?
ANSWER:

The roots that grow from the branches of a banyan tree are called prop roots.

Page No 92:

Question 8:

Both stems and leaves can be modified to form ___________ which give support to plants
with weak stems.
ANSWER:

Both stems and leaves can be modified to form tendrils, which gives support
to plants with weak stems.
 Page No 92:

Question 9:

What is the flat green portion of a leaf called?

ANSWER:

The flat green portion of a leaf is called as lamina or leaf blade.

Page No 92:

Question 10:

What kind of leaf venation would you expect to find in a plant with a tap root?
ANSWER:

A plant with a tap root would have reticulate kind of leaf venation.

Page No 92:

Question 11:

Transpiration helps the plant absorb minerals from the soil. True or false.
ANSWER:

True, the transpiration process helps plant to absorb minerals from the soil.

Page No 92:

Question 12:

Which part of the flower protects it when it is still a bud?

ANSWER:

The part of the flower protects it when it is still a bud is called sepal.

Page No 92:

Question 13:

Small particles produced in the anther are important for reproduction. Name them.
ANSWER:

Small particles produced in the anther are called a pollen grains. They take part in
reproduction.

Page No 92:

Question 14:

Name the part of the pistil which traps the pollen grains.
ANSWER:

The stigma is the part of the pistil which traps the pollen grains.

Page No 92:

Question 1:

What is the difference between creepers and climbers?

ANSWER:

Creepers Climbers
These plants cannot stand upright and These plants climb up with the
spread out in the ground. help of a support.
Example: strawberry plant. Example: Grapevine plant.

Page No 92:

Question 2:

Name two plants in which food is stored in the stem.

ANSWER:

Potatoes and onions are underground stems that are modified to store food.

Page No 92:

Question 3:

What are the functions of the network of veins in a leaf?

ANSWER:

The function of the network of veins in a leaf is to transport water, minerals and food. Also, it
provides support to the leaf.

Page No 92:

Question 4:

What is pollination?
ANSWER:

Pollination is the transfer of the pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of same flower,
or on to another flower, via wind, water or by insects.

Page No 92:

Question 5:

How do prop roots help the plant?

ANSWER:

Prop roots grow down from the branches and on reaching the ground fix themselves to the
soil. They provide additional support to the large branches of some plants such as banyan
tree.

Page No 92:

Question 6:

The leaf is called the food factory of the plant. Why?

ANSWER:

Leaf is called the food factory of the plants because it makes food for the plant through the
process of photosynthesis.

Page No 92:

Question 1:

Give the main functions of each of the following:

(a) root
(b) stem
(c) leaf
(d) flower
ANSWER:

(a) Root: They absorb water and minerals from the soil, thereby providing the important
nutrients to the plant.

(b) Stem: They keep the plant upright. They transport water, minerals and food to all parts
of plant.

(c) Leaf: The most important function of leaf is to prepare food via photosynthesis.

(d) Flower: The main function of a flower is to provide a platform for reproduction. It contains
stamen as male and pistil as female reproductive parts.

Page No 92:

Question 2:

Explain the difference between tap roots and fibrous roots.

ANSWER:

Tap roots Fibrous roots

It is the main root from which It is formed by thin fibre like roots
several branch roots arise. growing from the bottom of the stem.
Examples of plants with tap roots Examples of plants with fibrous roots
are pea, turnip, radish carrots. include wheat, maize, barley.

Page No 92:

Question 3:

How can you experimentally demonstrate the transportation of water in plants?

ANSWER:

Take a balsam plant, cut the base of it. Now in a beaker, take water mixed with few drops of
red ink. Place the plant inside this beaker, for a day. Observe the plant next day. One can
see thin red lines along the stem and leaves, and also on petals of flowers. This experiment
demonstrates the transportation of water in plants.

Page No 92:
Question 4:

Why are the leaves in a cactus plant modified to form spines? How, then, does the plant
make food?
ANSWER:

Cactus grows in desert environment, where there is scarcity of water. The leaves of cactus
are modified into spines, to prevent water loss from the surface of leaves. The green stem
of the cactus plant contains chlorophyll. Thus, the stem is the centre of photosynthesis in
the cactus plants instead of the leaves.

Page No 92:

Question 5:

Draw a labelled diagram to show that transpiration occurs from leaves. How does
transpiration help the plant?
ANSWER:

Leaves release water from the plant through the stomata through transpiration.
When water vapour is removed from the leaves through the process of transpiration, more
water is draw in from the roots. The water coming in from the roots also brings in more
nutrients and minerals.

Page No 92:

Question 6:

Draw the diagram of a section of a flower showing sepals, petals, stamen and pistil.
ANSWER:
Most of the flowers have the same basic structure.The structure of a flower can be shown
with the help of a diagram shown below:

Page No 93:

Question 1:

Is a small mango plant a herb? Give reasons.

ANSWER:

A small mango plant cannot be categorised as a herb because the stem of even a small
mango plant will be brown and hard which usually show a characteristic of the stem of a
tree. This characteristic also indicates that the plant is still in the stages of growth, and has
not attained the complete growth.

Page No 93:

Question 2:

Some flowers are not pollinated by insects but by wind. Do you think such flowers are as
attractive as insect-pollinated ones?
ANSWER:

The wind pollinating flowers are usually small, dull coloured and are scentless. Thus the
insects are not attracted towards such type of flowers. The pollen grains in such type of
flowers will be large in number and are dusty, so that they can be easily carried away by the
winds.
When both types of flowers are compared, the wind pollinated flowers are less attractive
than the insect pollinated flowers.
 Page No 93:

Question 3:

How is making of food for the plant by the leaf different from making of food for you in the
kitchen?
ANSWER:

We cook our food directly in the kitchen without any requirement of sunlight or carbon
dioxide. In the kitchen, we prepare food from ingredients that are either plant or animal
derived.
In contrast, plants prepare their food by the sunlight, carbon dioxide absorbed from the air
and water taken in by the roots by the process of photosynthesis.

Page No 93:

Question 1:

A scientist recorded the rate of photosynthesis of a tree from 6 am on 1st January to 6 pm

on 2nd January. The result is as shown in the graph.

Use the graph to answer the following questions.

1. At what time during the day was the rate of photosynthesis the highest?
2. At what time was the most carbon dioxide released in the air?
3. At what time was the most oxygen released in the air?
ANSWER:
1. During noon, the rate of photosynthesis was highest in plants.
2. Most carbon dioxide was released in the air during midnight.
3. Most oxygen was released in the air during noon.
Question 1:

How many systems does a flowering plant have? Name them.

ANSWER:

A flowering plant has two systems. These are root system and the shoot system. The root system is the
part of the plant that remains within the ground. The shoot system, on the other hand, is the part of the
plant that grows above the ground.

Page No 84:

Question 2:

In which kind of root system is there no thick main root? Give two examples of plants that have such a
root system.

ANSWER:

Thick main root is not found in fibrous root system. In this type of root system, roots generally arise
from the stem base. Some examples of plants that have fibrous root system are barley and maize.

Page No 84:

Question 3:

Plants need sunshine, air, water and mineral salts. Which of these are supplied by the root?

ANSWER:

Roots provide water and mineral salts to the plants. Mineral salts and water are present in the soil and
these substances are absorbed by the roots. These substances are then supplied to different parts of the
plant.

Page No 84:

Question 4:

Give one example each of the following.

a. a small plant that will never grow up to be a big plant

b. a root that we eat

c. a plant that has additional roots emerging from its branches

ANSWER:

a. An example of a small plant that will never grow up to be a big plant is tomato plant.

b. One of the examples of root that we eat is turnip.

c. An example of a plant having additional roots that emerge from its branches is sugarcane plant.

Page No 84:

Question 5:

What is the function of the roots in 4c above?

ANSWER:

The roots whose description has been provided in 4c are called prop roots. The basic function of these
roots is to provide additional support to the plant and keep it an upright position.

Page No 88:

Question 1:

Which substances does the stem help in transporting? Name the starting points and destinations of each
substance.

ANSWER:

A stem helps in the transportation of food, water and minerals to every part of the plant. The starting
point for the absorption of minerals and water is the roots and these are destined for buds, fruits,
flowers, fruits and leaves. The food is produced in the leaves and it is then transported to all parts of the
plants.

Page No 88:

Question 2:

Other than the main functions that almost all stems perform, there are other specialised functions
performed by stems of some plants. Name two such plants and the specialised function performed by
their stems.

ANSWER:

In addition to the main functions such as conduction of water, food and minerals, stems can perform
following specialised functions:

1. Provide support: In case of grapewine, the stem is modified into minute thread-like structures called
stem tendrils. These stem tendrils have the ability to coil around any rough surface and provide support
to the plant.

2. Store food: In case of ginger, the stem is modified to store food. The stem in this case lies
underground and functions to store additional food material.

Page No 88:

Question 3:

During photosynthesis, leaves convert water and carbon dioxide to a kind of sugar called glucose. If that
is so, all food stored by the plant should be sweet. But this is not so. Why?

ANSWER:

The glucose produced by the plants is further converted into a complex sugar called starch, which does
not have a sweet taste. This is reason that all food stored by the plant is not sweet.

Page No 88:

Question 4:

A plant is found to have fibrous roots. Can you say what kind of venation its leaves have?
ANSWER:

Plants that have fibrous roots generally have parallel venation. In this type of venation, the veins of the
leaves are aligned parallel to each other.

Page No 88:

Question 5:

Leaves in some plants are modified to also perform functions other than making food. Name two such
modifications and give one example of each

ANSWER:

In addition to making food for the plants, leaves can be modified to following structures in some plants:

1. Tendrils: In plants such as Gloriosa, leaves are modified into tendrils. These tendrils have the ability to
coil across objects and provide support to the plants.

2. Spines: In certain desert plants such as cactus, the leaves are modified into spines. This modification
allows cactus to minimise water loss and it also protects the plant from grazing animals.

Page No 88:

Question 6:

Both stem and leaf can get modified into tendrils. True or false? If true, give one example of each. If
false, give the correct statement.

ANSWER:

It is true that both leaves and stems can be modified to form tendrils. The basic function of stem and
leaf tendril is to provide support to the plant. Stem tendrils can be found in passion flower plants,
whereas leaf tendrils are found in Gloriosa plant.
Page No 90:

Question 1:

Unlike humans many flowers have the male and female organs in the same flower. Name these organs.

ANSWER:

The male organ of a flower is called stamen and the female organ of a flower is called carpel. Stamens
are formed by anther and filaments, whereas carpels are formed by ovary, style and stigma.

Page No 90:

Question 2:

The relationship between a honeybee and a flower benefits both. How?

ANSWER:

The relationship between flower and honeybee is beneficial for both because the flowers get pollinated
with the help of honeybee and the honeybee obtains nectar from the flower. Thus, both flower and
honeybee are mutually benefited.

Page No 90:

Question 3:

What changes occur in a flower after pollination?

ANSWER:

After pollination, following changes occur in a flower:

1. The ovary becomes swollen and is converted into a fruit.

2. The ovules develop into seeds after pollination.

Page No 91:

Question 1:

A medium-size plant with a hard, brown, thin stem describes a

(a) herb.

(b) shrub.

(c) tree.

(d) creeper.

ANSWER:

(b) shrub

Shrub describes a medium-sized plant with a hard, brown, thin stem.

Page No 91:

Question 2:

Which of these plants has a tap root?

(a) maize

(b) grass

(c) wheat

(d) pea

ANSWER:

(d) pea

Root system of a plant having main roots, from which several branch roots develop, is called tap root
system. The pea plant has a tap root system.

Page No 91:

Question 3:
Which of these plants stores food in their roots?

(a) pea

(b) onion

(c) carrot

(d) potato

ANSWER:

(c) Carrot

Carrot plant stores food in their roots.

Page No 91:

Question 4:

The tendril in a pea plant is a modified

(a) stem.

(b) leaf.

(c) root.

(d) flower.

ANSWER:

(a) stem

The tendril in a pea plant is a modified stem which is coiled to provide support to the plant.

Page No 91:

Question 5:

The spines of a cactus plant are modified

(a) stems.

(b) leaves.

(c) roots.
(d) flowers.

ANSWER:

(b) leaves.

The leaves of a cactus plant are modified to spines to prevent loss of water.

Page No 91:

Question 6:

In which plant does photosynthesis take place in the stem rather than in the leaves?

(a) Bougainvillea

(b) potato

(c) onion

(d) cactus

ANSWER:

(d) cactus.

In cactus, leaves are modified into spines. It is the green stem that performs all the functions to be
performed by leaves including photosynthesis.

Page No 91:

Question 7:

Which of these is the male part of a flower?

(a) sepals

(b) petals

(c) stamens

(d) pistil
ANSWER:

(c) stamens.

Stamens are the male part of a flower, consisting of thin green stalk called anther.

Page No 91:

Question 8:

Which part of the flower turns into a fruit?

(a) sepals

(b) anther

(c) ovary

(d) stigma

ANSWER:

(c) ovary.

Ovary is the part of the flower, which after pollination turns into a fruit.

Page No 91:

Question 9:

The reproductive organ of a flowering plant is the

(a) pollen grains.

(b) flower.

(c) pistil.

(d) stamen.

ANSWER:

(b) flower.

Flower is the reproductive organ of a flowering plant.

Page No 91:

Question 10:

Which part of a plant regulates its water content?

(a) root

(b) stem

(c) leaf

(d) flower

ANSWER:

(c) leaves

The leaves of a plant regulate its water content through transpiration. As the plant loses water through
transpiration, nutrients mixed with water are drawn up from the roots.

Page No 92:

Question 1:

Ferns are ____________ plants. (flowering/non-flowering)

ANSWER:

Ferns are non-flowering plants.

Page No 92:

Question 2:

Grasses are ___________ (herbs/shrubs/trees)

ANSWER:
Grasses are herbs.

Page No 92:

Question 3:

Name the two systems in a plant.

ANSWER:

The two systems in a plant are root system and shoot system.

Page No 92:

Question 4:

What does this describe: 'A number of thin fibre-like roots arising from the base of the stem'?

ANSWER:

'A number of thin fibre-like roots arising from the base of the stem', describes a grass plant. These roots
are called as fibrous roots.

Page No 92:

Question 5:

Is the fleshy underground part of the ginger plant a root or a stem?

ANSWER:

The underground fleshy part of the ginger plant is a modified stem that stores food.

Page No 92:

Question 6:

Name one root that is modified to store food.

ANSWER:
The tap roots of radish are modified to store food.

Page No 92:

Question 7:

What are the roots that grow from the branches of a banyan tree called?

ANSWER:

The roots that grow from the branches of a banyan tree are called prop roots.

Page No 92:

Question 8:

Both stems and leaves can be modified to form ___________ which give support to plants with weak
stems.

ANSWER:

Both stems and leaves can be modified to form tendrils, which gives support to plants with weak stems.

Page No 92:

Question 9:

What is the flat green portion of a leaf called?

ANSWER:

The flat green portion of a leaf is called as lamina or leaf blade.

Page No 92:

Question 10:

What kind of leaf venation would you expect to find in a plant with a tap root?

ANSWER:
A plant with a tap root would have reticulate kind of leaf venation.

Page No 92:

Question 11:

Transpiration helps the plant absorb minerals from the soil. True or false.

ANSWER:

True, the transpiration process helps plant to absorb minerals from the soil.

Page No 92:

Question 12:

Which part of the flower protects it when it is still a bud?

ANSWER:

The part of the flower protects it when it is still a bud is called sepal.

Page No 92:

Question 13:

Small particles produced in the anther are important for reproduction. Name them.

ANSWER:

Small particles produced in the anther are called a pollen grains. They take part in reproduction.

Page No 92:

Question 14:

Name the part of the pistil which traps the pollen grains.

ANSWER:

The stigma is the part of the pistil which traps the pollen grains.
Page No 92:

Question 1:

What is the difference between creepers and climbers?

ANSWER:

Creepers Climbers

These plants cannot stand upright and spread out in the ground.These plants climb up with the help of a
support.

Example: strawberry plant. Example: Grapevine plant.

Page No 92:

Question 2:

Name two plants in which food is stored in the stem.

ANSWER:

Potatoes and onions are underground stems that are modified to store food.

Page No 92:

Question 3:

What are the functions of the network of veins in a leaf?

ANSWER:

The function of the network of veins in a leaf is to transport water, minerals and food. Also, it provides
support to the leaf.

Page No 92:

Question 4:
What is pollination?

ANSWER:

Pollination is the transfer of the pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of same flower, or on to
another flower, via wind, water or by insects.

Page No 92:

Question 5:

How do prop roots help the plant?

ANSWER:

Prop roots grow down from the branches and on reaching the ground fix themselves to the soil. They
provide additional support to the large branches of some plants such as banyan tree.

Page No 92:

Question 6:

The leaf is called the food factory of the plant. Why?

ANSWER:

Leaf is called the food factory of the plants because it makes food for the plant through the process of
photosynthesis.

Page No 92:

Question 1:

Give the main functions of each of the following:

(a) root

(b) stem

(c) leaf

(d) flower
ANSWER:

(a) Root: They absorb water and minerals from the soil, thereby providing the important nutrients to the
plant.

(b) Stem: They keep the plant upright. They transport water, minerals and food to all parts of plant.

(c) Leaf: The most important function of leaf is to prepare food via photosynthesis.

(d) Flower: The main function of a flower is to provide a platform for reproduction. It contains stamen as
male and pistil as female reproductive parts.

Page No 92:

Question 2:

Explain the difference between tap roots and fibrous roots.

ANSWER:

Tap roots Fibrous roots

It is the main root from which several branch roots arise. It is formed by thin fibre like roots
growing from the bottom of the stem.

Examples of plants with tap roots are pea, turnip, radish carrots.Examples of plants with fibrous roots
include wheat, maize, barley.

Page No 92:

Question 3:

How can you experimentally demonstrate the transportation of water in plants?

ANSWER:

Take a balsam plant, cut the base of it. Now in a beaker, take water mixed with few drops of red ink.
Place the plant inside this beaker, for a day. Observe the plant next day. One can see thin red lines along
the stem and leaves, and also on petals of flowers. This experiment demonstrates the transportation of
water in plants.
Page No 92:

Question 4:

Why are the leaves in a cactus plant modified to form spines? How, then, does the plant make food?

ANSWER:

Cactus grows in desert environment, where there is scarcity of water. The leaves of cactus are modified
into spines, to prevent water loss from the surface of leaves. The green stem of the cactus plant
contains chlorophyll. Thus, the stem is the centre of photosynthesis in the cactus plants instead of the
leaves.

Page No 92:

Question 5:

Draw a labelled diagram to show that transpiration occurs from leaves. How does transpiration help the
plant?

ANSWER:

Leaves release water from the plant through the stomata through transpiration.

When water vapour is removed from the leaves through the process of transpiration, more water is
draw in from the roots. The water coming in from the roots also brings in more nutrients and minerals.

Page No 92:

Question 6:

Draw the diagram of a section of a flower showing sepals, petals, stamen and pistil.

ANSWER:

Most of the flowers have the same basic structure.The structure of a flower can be shown with the help
of a diagram shown below:
Page No 93:

Question 1:

Is a small mango plant a herb? Give reasons.

ANSWER:

A small mango plant cannot be categorised as a herb because the stem of even a small mango plant will
be brown and hard which usually show a characteristic of the stem of a tree. This characteristic also
indicates that the plant is still in the stages of growth, and has not attained the complete growth.

Page No 93:

Question 2:

Some flowers are not pollinated by insects but by wind. Do you think such flowers are as attractive as
insect-pollinated ones?

ANSWER:

The wind pollinating flowers are usually small, dull coloured and are scentless. Thus the insects are not
attracted towards such type of flowers. The pollen grains in such type of flowers will be large in number
and are dusty, so that they can be easily carried away by the winds.

When both types of flowers are compared, the wind pollinated flowers are less attractive than the insect
pollinated flowers.

Page No 93:

Question 3:

How is making of food for the plant by the leaf different from making of food for you in the kitchen?

ANSWER:
We cook our food directly in the kitchen without any requirement of sunlight or carbon dioxide. In the
kitchen, we prepare food from ingredients that are either plant or animal derived.

In contrast, plants prepare their food by the sunlight, carbon dioxide absorbed from the air and water
taken in by the roots by the process of photosynthesis.

Page No 93:

Question 1:

A scientist recorded the rate of photosynthesis of a tree from 6 am on 1st January to 6 pm on 2nd
January. The result is as shown in the graph.

Use the graph to answer the following questions.

1. At what time during the day was the rate of photosynthesis the highest?

2. At what time was the most carbon dioxide released in the air?

3. At what time was the most oxygen released in the air?

ANSWER:

1. During noon, the rate of photosynthesis was highest in plants.

2. Most carbon dioxide was released in the air during midnight.

3. Most oxygen was released in the air during noon.