D. State whether 'true' or 'false': 1. Chlorophyll is soluble in water. F 2. Mistletoe plant is a total parasite. F 3. Drosera plant is an insectivore. T 4. Haustoria help a parasite in sucking nutrition from the body of the host plant. 5. Stomata on leaves remain open during and close during the day.
Answer (1)
Let's address each statement about plants and their characteristics:
Chlorophyll is soluble in water.
This statement is False. Chlorophyll, which is the green pigment in plants responsible for capturing light for photosynthesis, is not soluble in water. It is soluble in organic solvents like alcohol or acetone. This is because chlorophyll has a structure that is hydrophobic, meaning it does not mix well with water.
Mistletoe plant is a total parasite.
This statement is False. Mistletoe is actually a partial parasite, also known as a hemiparasite. This means it can perform photosynthesis to some extent to produce its own food, but it relies on its host for water and mineral nutrients.
Drosera plant is an insectivore.
This statement is True. The Drosera plant, commonly known as the sundew, is an insectivorous plant. It captures and digests insects using sticky, glandular hairs on its leaves. This adaptation helps it survive in nutrient-poor environments by obtaining additional nutrients from prey.
Haustoria help a parasite in sucking nutrition from the body of the host plant.
This statement is True. Haustoria are specialized structures that form in parasitic plants. They penetrate the host plant's tissues and extract water and nutrients, allowing the parasite to survive by relying on the host.
Stomata on leaves remain open and close during the day.
This statement is not straightforwardly true or false as it lacks context. Generally, stomata open during the day to allow gas exchange for photosynthesis when there is light, and they close at night to minimize water loss. However, some plants, particularly those in arid regions or with CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) photosynthesis, may exhibit different patterns to conserve water.
Each of these statements explores interesting aspects of plant biology, including how different plants have adapted unique strategies to survive and thrive in their environments.
