Horticulture Science - Cell Stem Root

Angiosperms are classified into two major groups based on the number of their: a) Vascular bundles b) Cotyledons c) Leaf veins d) Flower parts

b) Cotyledons. Botanists classify Angiosperms into monocots and dicots based on whether their seeds contain one or two cotyledons.

What is the defining characteristic of a gymnosperm's seed? a) It is formed inside a fruit. b) It is enclosed within a woody capsule. c) It is produced in the open spaces of cones, hence "naked." d) It develops underground.

c) It is produced in the open spaces of cones, hence "naked." Gymnosperms are non-flowering seed plants that produce seeds in the open spaces of cones.

The tallest tree on record, the Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), reaches an approximate height of: a) 132 feet b) 250 feet c) 385 feet d) 4600 feet

c) 385 feet. The Redwood is known as the tallest tree, reaching 385 feet tall.

True or False: Prokaryotic cells are characterized by compartments bounded by membranes with specialized structures and functions.

False. Eukaryotic cells are made up of compartments bounded by membranes with specialized structures and functions, while Prokaryotic cells have no separate subcellular units.

The "brain" or control center of a cell, responsible for inheritance and cellular control, is the __.

Nucleus. The nucleus is described as the center of inheritance and cellular control, often referred to as the "brain" of the cell.

Which cell component is composed of protein and fatty substances and controls the passage of water, food, and selected minerals? a) Cell wall b) Cytoplasm c) Cytoplasmic membrane d) Vacuole

c) Cytoplasmic membrane. The cytoplasmic membrane is composed of protein and fatty substances and controls the passage of water, food, and selected minerals into and out of the cell.

Photosynthesis in plants takes place in specialized organelles called __, which contain chlorophyll.

Chloroplast. Chloroplasts are organelles unique to plants where photosynthesis takes place, and chlorophyll, a green pigment, is located within them.

True or False: Plant cells typically grow in random directions due to the pressure of surrounding tissues.

False. Plant cells typically grow in specific directions.

What substance forms the thin layer called the middle lamella, which binds adjacent plant cells together? a) Cellulose b) Lignin c) Pectin d) Suberin

c) Pectin. Pectin forms the middle lamella, a thin layer between adjacent cell walls that binds the cells together.

In a mature tree, what percentage of the cells are typically dead and used for water transport? a) 25% b) 50% c) 75% d) 98%

d) 98%. A mature tree is composed of 98% dead cells which are used for water transport (xylem).

The primary growth process in plants, which contributes to the length of the plant's organs, occurs at the __ meristem.

Apical. The primary growth process occurs at the apex (tip) of each stem and root, involving the apical meristem to contribute to the length of the plants organs.

Which type of meristem is typically found in monocots and involves active tissue separated from the apical meristem by regions of more developed tissue? a) Shoot Apical Meristem b) Lateral Meristem c) Subapical Meristem d) Intercalary Meristem

d) Intercalary Meristem. Intercalary Meristems are active tissues that have been separated from the apical meristem by regions of more developed tissue and typically occur in monocots.

The lateral meristems produce vascular cambium, which generates new xylem and new phloem, and __, which produces bark.

Cork cambium. Lateral meristems produce secondary growth, specifically vascular cambium and cork cambium, the latter of which produces bark.

True or False: The epidermis in woody plants is commonly covered with stomata and trichomes, similar to herbaceous plants, to prevent water loss.

False. In woody plants, the epidermis is replaced by a cork layer, which provides a stronger external surface and is more resistant to damage, unlike the epidermis which may contain stomata and trichomes.

What is the primary function of phloem in a plant's vascular tissue? a) Transport of water and minerals from roots to leaves. b) Distribution of photosynthate from leaves to the rest of the plant. c) Providing structural support to the stem. d) Generating new cells for the vascular system's growth.

b) Distribution of photosynthate from leaves to the rest of the plant. The primary function of phloem is to distribute photosynthate (fixed carbon) from leaves (source) to the rest of the plant (sinks).

The sieve tube members, responsible for transport in phloem, notably lack a __.

Nucleus. Sieve tube members are responsible for transport but lack a nucleus.

Which component of the vascular tissue is a thin layer of undifferentiated cells located between the phloem and xylem, essential for radial expansion of the stem? a) Cortex b) Pith c) Cambium d) Endodermis

c) Cambium. The cambium is a thin layer of undifferentiated cells between the phloem and xylem, essential for radial expansion of the stem.

True or False: Xylem cells remain alive after differentiation to continuously transport water and nutrients.

False. Xylem cells die after differentiation, and water and nutrients are moved through these dead vessels and tracheids arranged end to end.

What is the primary component of softwoods, such as pines, that are long and thin xylem cell types? a) Xylem vessels b) Xylem fibres c) Tracheids d) Parenchyma cells

c) Tracheids.

Tracheids are the primary component of softwoods, including pines. Xylem is a complex tissue responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots throughout the plant. It contains several cell types, including tracheids, xylem vessels, xylem fibers, and parenchyma cells.

Tracheids are specifically described as long and thin xylem cell types. They are tapered, dead cells that conduct water through pits. Tracheids are the primary component of softwoods, which include pines.

In contrast, xylem vessels are described as "short and fat" and are the primary component of hardwoods. Xylem fibres provide structural support and are an important component of hardwoods. Parenchyma cells in the xylem are primarily involved in food storage.

The innermost tissue of the stem, often functioning as a storage tissue (e.g., in sugar cane), is the __.

Pith. The pith is the innermost tissue of the stem, comprised of undifferentiated parenchyma cells, and can function as a storage tissue.

Which modified stems grow horizontally along the ground and are useful for plant propagation? a) Spurs b) Rhizomes c) Stolons d) Tubers

c) Stolons. Stolons are modified stems that grow horizontally along the ground and are useful for propagation.

True or False: The cell walls of xylem are typically thin and permeable, allowing for efficient water transport.

False. Xylem cell walls are described as thick and impermeable, designed for strength and water transport after the cells die.

How does a tree trunk, which starts as a herbaceous stem, gain its girth? a) Through the activity of the apical meristem only. b) Primarily through the vascular cambium and cork cambium. c) By the continuous elongation of epidermal cells. d) By the accumulation of dead pith cells.

b) Primarily through the vascular cambium and cork cambium. Stem thickening, leading to girth, is attributed to the activity of the vascular cambium and cork cambium.

The inner area of wood where waste is deposited by way of vascular rays is called the __.

Heartwood. Heartwood is the inner area where waste is deposited by way of vascular rays.

Annual rings are used to determine all of the following EXCEPT: a) Age of the tree b) Rainfall patterns c) Genetic lineage d) Major storms

c) Genetic lineage. Annual rings are used to determine the age of the tree, rainfall, climate, and major storms.

Which type of root system, commonly found in monocotyledonous plants, is described as diffuse and profusely branched, helping control soil erosion? a) Tap root system b) Adventitious root system c) Fibrous root system d) Prop root system

c) Fibrous root system. Monocots typically have a more diffuse fibrous root system, which is profusely branched and helps control soil erosion.

True or False: The primary function of the root system is solely to anchor the plant and absorb water.

False. The functions of the root system also include the acquisition of mineral nutrients, tissue for energy (food) storage, and for propagation and dispersal of some species.

In a single winter rye plant, the root hairs account for approximately what fraction of the total root surface area? a) Less than 10% b) About one-quarter c) More than half d) Nearly all (over 90%)

c) More than half. In the winter rye example, more than 4,000 sq. ft. of the 6,500 sq. ft. of root surface area comes from root hairs.

The growth of the root system primarily depends on the activity of the __, which is located just behind the root cap.

Root apical meristem. Root growth depends on the activity of the root apical meristem, located just behind the root cap.

True or False: The epidermis of a root is covered with a cuticle to reduce water loss, similar to a stem.

False. The epidermis of a root is NOT covered with a cuticle because the root is designed for water uptake, and a cuticle would be a barrier to water.

Root hairs are specialized epidermal cells that elongate __ to the root to increase surface area for absorption.

Perpendicular. Root hairs are single cells that elongate perpendicular to the root.

The cortex of a root functions primarily in the storage of and .

Proteins, starches (or food reserves). The cortex functions in the storage of food reserves, specifically proteins and starches, in root tissues.

Which layer of cells in the root has spaces between its cells covered with a waxy layer called suberin, blocking the passage of water and dissolved nutrients into the vascular system? a) Epidermis b) Cortex c) Endodermis d) Pericycle

c) Endodermis. The endodermis is a single layer of cells outside the vascular system where spaces between cells are covered with a waxy suberin layer, which blocks unregulated passage of substances.

True or False: The pericycle is a non-meristematic tissue that provides structural support to the root's vascular cylinder.

False. The pericycle is a meristem tissue and the source of new lateral, or secondary, roots.

The zone in the root where cells elongate and differentiate, pushing the root tip through the soil, is called the __.

Elongation zone. The elongation zone is where cells elongate and differentiate, and this process pushes the root tip through the soil.

What is the process called that describes the continuum of water movement from the soil, through the plant, and into the air? a) Osmosis b) Translocation c) Transpiration d) Respiration

c) Transpiration. Transpiration is defined as the continuum of water from soil, through the plant, and into the air.

The depth of a root system can vary based on all of the following EXCEPT: a) Soil conditions b) Moisture availability c) Above-ground biomass d) Environment

c) Above-ground biomass. The depth of the root system varies based on soil conditions, moisture, and environment.

True or False: Most new cells produced by the apical meristem in a root are located in front of the growing tip (root cap) to protect it.

False.

Most new cells produced by the apical meristem are behind the growing tip (root cap), and the root cap itself protects the growing tip.

What is produced by the root to protect the root cap as it penetrates the soil? a) A hard cellulosic layer b) A waxy suberin coating c) A gel d) A lignin sheath

c) A gel. A gel is produced to protect the root cap as it penetrates the soil.

Which of the seven primary tissues of a root occupies the largest portion and stores food reserves? a) Epidermis b) Cortex c) Vascular Tissue d) Pericycle

b) Cortex. The cortex occupies the largest portion of a root and stores food reserves.

True or False: In a root's vascular tissue, the xylem typically forms an X-shaped configuration.

True. In the root's vascular tissue, the xylem forms an X-shaped configuration, with the phloem occupying the area between the xylem "arms".

What is the name of the row of cells located inside the endodermis, which is the area where branch roots arise? a) Cortex b) Pericycle c) Vascular Cambium d) Pith

b) Pericycle. The pericycle is a row of cells located inside the endodermis, and it is the area in which branch roots arise.

True or False: The wood in older roots is generally more extensive than the above-ground wood of a tree.

False. The wood in older roots is less extensive than the above-ground wood of a tree.

The presence of __ in the cells of cork reduces the capacity for water uptake by older parts of the root.

Waxy suberin. The presence of cork, with waxy suberin in its cells, reduces the capacity for water uptake from the soil by older parts of the root.

Which of the following is NOT an example of a monocot listed in the sources? a) Corn b) Wheat c) Holly d) Grasses

c) Holly. Corn, wheat, grasses, and palms are examples of monocots, while holly is an example of a dicot.

What is the approximate age of the Bristlecone Pine located in the White Mountains of California? a) 1665 years b) 132 years c) 385 years d) 4600 years

d) 4600 years. The Bristlecone Pine is noted to be 4600 years old.

The Latin word "cella," from which "cell" is derived, means: a) Tiny organism b) Small room c) Living unit d) Microscopic structure

b) Small room. The word "cell" comes from the Latin word cella, which means "small room".

True or False: Chlorophyll is a green pigment located within the mitochondria that is essential for photosynthesis.

False. Chlorophyll, a green pigment, is located within the chloroplast, not the mitochondria, and is essential for photosynthesis.

Which organelles are specialized in the production of protein? a) Chloroplasts b) Mitochondria c) Vacuoles d) Ribosomes

d) Ribosomes. Ribosomes are organelles specialized in the production of protein.

The interconnecting strands of cytoplasm that allow adjacent plant cells to interact are called __.

Plasmodesmata. Each cell functions as an independent unit but interacts through interconnecting strands of cytoplasm called plasmodesmata.

What happens to the interior area of a cell as its cell wall hardens due to the introduction of lignin? a) It expands to accommodate new growth. b) It decreases and eventually the cell dies. c) It remains constant, but its function changes. d) It develops into a new meristematic zone.

b) It decreases and eventually the cell dies. As the cell hardens with lignin, the interior area decreases and eventually the cell dies.

The two steps involved in plant cell growth are the formation of new cells by division and __.

Cell elongation. Cell growth is a 2-step process: new cells are formed by division of existing cells, and cell elongation.

True or False: The apical meristem of a plant can switch to a floral meristem, triggered by factors such as day length, temperature, or developmental stage.

True. An apical meristem can switch to a floral meristem and produce flowers, and this switch can be triggered by day length, temperature, or developmental stage.

What is the primary function of the cuticle covering the epidermis of a stem? a) To facilitate gas exchange. b) To enhance nutrient absorption. c) To reduce water loss. d) To provide structural support.

c) To reduce water loss. The epidermis is covered with a cuticle to reduce water loss.

The layer of cells between the epidermis and vascular tissue in a stem, which also functions as a storage organ in many woody plants, is the __.

Cortex. The cortex is the layer of cells between the epidermis and vascular tissue and functions as a storage organ in many woody plants.

True or False: The organization of vascular bundles in a stem is uniform across all plant types, always forming a complete ring.

False. The organization of vascular bundles is variable; they can form a complete ring, be arranged as a circle of bundles, or be distributed throughout the stem.

Which type of cell in phloem is responsible for transport but lacks a nucleus? a) Companion cells b) Parenchyma cells c) Sieve tube members d) Sclerenchyma cells

c) Sieve tube members. Sieve tube members are the phloem cells responsible for transport but lack a nucleus.

The process by which the vascular cambium adds more cells to the meristem as it increases in circumference is termed __ growth.

Sideways. Cells of the vascular cambium divide in three directions: inward (secondary xylem), outward (secondary phloem), and sideways, adding more cells to the meristem as it increases in circumference.

What are the two layers that constitute an annual ring, representing one year's growth? a) Sapwood and heartwood b) Primary xylem and secondary xylem c) Springwood and summerwood d) Inner bark and outer bark

c) Springwood and summerwood. Annual rings consist of several layers of large xylem cells called springwood and smaller cells called summerwood.

True or False: Plants in temperate areas generally lack annual rings because their vascular cambium grows constantly.

False. The source presents a statement about temperate areas lacking annual rings if vascular cambium grows constantly; however, the presence and utility of annual rings for determining age, rainfall, climate, and storms in temperate areas is implied, suggesting this is not a general truth for all temperate plants but a condition under which rings would be absent.

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the root system? a) Anchorage to the soil b) Manufacture of food through photosynthesis c) Absorption of water d) Energy storage

b) Manufacture of food through photosynthesis. Photosynthesis (food manufacture) occurs in chloroplasts, primarily in leaves, not in the roots.

A 40-foot tall oak tree's primary tap root was found to penetrate how deep into the soil? a) 5 feet b) 14 feet c) 40 feet d) 60 feet

b) 14 feet. A 40 ft. tall oak tree's primary tap root penetrated 14 ft. into the soil.

True or False: Successful transplanting of horticultural plants primarily depends on the vigor and health of their above-ground stem and leaf structures.

False. Successful transplanting depends on a vigorous and healthy root system.

The root cap serves to __ the apical meristem as the root grows through the soil.

Protect. The root cap protects the apical meristem at the tip of the root.

What specific feature of root epidermal cells significantly contributes to the largest fraction of the root surface area for water and mineral uptake? a) Their cuticle b) Their thickened cell walls c) Their elongation into root hairs d) Their ability to store starch

c) Their elongation into root hairs. Root hairs, which are specialized epidermal cells, contribute the largest fraction of root surface area and facilitate uptake.

What waxy layer covers the spaces between cells in the endodermis, resembling grout between ceramic tiles? a) Cellulose b) Lignin c) Suberin d) Pectin

c) Suberin. The spaces between the cells of the endodermis are covered with a waxy layer called suberin, which functions similarly to grout.

True or False: In the maturation zone of a root, cells continue to rapidly divide to push the root tip through the soil.

False. In the maturation zone, cells develop their final form, and root hairs form, while cell elongation in the elongation zone is what pushes the root tip.

The modified roots consumed as vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, primarily serve as __ tissue.

Storage. Modified roots like carrots and sweet potatoes serve as storage tissue for the plant.

Which type of root system is characterized by one or two rapidly growing, sparsely branched roots that can draw water and minerals from a deep water table and typically have a larger food storage capacity? a) Fibrous root system b) Tap root system c) Adventitious root system d) Prop root system

b) Tap root system. A tap root system consists of one or two rapidly growing, sparsely branched roots that draw water and minerals from a deep water table and have a larger food storage capacity.

True or False: Roots typically extend far beyond the drip line of a plant to maximize water absorption.

False. Roots typically remain in the drip line of a plant.

All of a root's primary root growth is concentrated in a region of about __ of the root tip.

Quarter inch (1/4"). All of a root's primary root growth is concentrated in a region about ¼” of the root tip. This region is where water is absorbed by the root hairs, which are extensions of the outer root cells and increase the root's ability to take up water. The root hairs are located behind the root cap.

True or False: In a root, the phloem occupies the area between the xylem "arms" when viewed in cross-section.

True. In the root's vascular tissue, the xylem forms an X-shaped configuration, and phloem occupies the area between the xylem "arms".

The vascular cambium in roots lays down wood, also known as secondary xylem, and __ bark, which is secondary phloem.

Inner. Vascular cambium in roots lays down wood (secondary xylem) and inner bark (secondary phloem).

Woody plants are defined as having a corky outer surface of __ covering their older stems.

Bark. Woody plants have a corky outer surface of bark covering their older stems.

True or False: Herbaceous plants typically increase much in diameter each year and usually survive the winter.

False. Herbaceous plants lack bark covering, and their twigs usually do not increase much in diameter, and they often do not survive the winter.

Which type of plant retains its leaves all year round? a) Deciduous b) Semi-evergreen c) Annual d) Evergreen

d) Evergreen. Evergreens are plants that retain their leaves all year.

A plant characterized by several more or less upright stems, smaller in size and number of stems compared to a tree, is known as a __.

Shrub. Shrubs are plants characterized by several more or less upright stems, smaller in size and number of stems compared to a tree.

True or False: Vines are always woody plants with stems unable to support their own weight.

False. Vines can be woody or herbaceous plants with stems that are unable to support the weight of the plant.

Plants that complete their life cycle from seed to fruit to death in one growing season are called __.

Annuals. Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle from seed to fruit to death in one growing season.

True or False: Perennials die after flowering, unlike annuals.

False. Perennials do not die after flowering; they live several years and can survive cold winter months in a dormant state.

A plant that lives two years, with vegetative growth in the first year followed by flowering, fruiting, and seeding in the second year before dying, is a __.

Biennial. Biennials are plants that live two years, with vegetative growth in the first year and then flowering, fruiting, and seeding in the second year before dying.

Which plant classification describes plants that will not survive freezing temperatures? a) Hardy plants b) Native plants c) Tender plants d) Ornamental plants

c) Tender plants. Tender plants are plants that will not survive freezing temperatures.

True or False: Ornamentals are plants primarily valued for their practical use rather than their beauty.

False. Ornamentals are plants valued for their beauty rather than their use.

In 1665, who determined that plants were constructed of tiny units he called cells? a) Anton van Leeuwenhoek b) Robert Hooke c) Matthias Schleiden d) Theodor Schwann

b) Robert Hooke. In 1665, Robert Hooke determined plant were constructed of tiny units he called cells.

Which component of protoplasm is a soft jelly-like material where the cell's metabolism takes place? a) Nucleus b) Cytoplasm c) Chloroplast d) Vacuole

b) Cytoplasm. Cytoplasm is the soft jelly like material in which the cell’s metabolism takes place.

True or False: Mitochondria are unique to plants, similar to chloroplasts.

False. Chloroplasts are organelles unique to plants, whereas mitochondria are organelles that extract energy from foods by cellular respiration, and some organelles are the same as in animals.

Which structure in a plant cell stores water, excess minerals, and waste from metabolism, often occupying a large part of the cell's volume? a) Ribosome b) Mitochondrion c) Vacuole d) Nucleus

c) Vacuole. The vacuole stores water, excess minerals, and waste from metabolism, and occupies a large part of the volume of a plant cell.

What is the composition of the primary cell wall when it is first formed? a) Lignin b) Pectin c) Cellulose d) Suberin

c) Cellulose. When a cell wall is first formed, its wall is thin and composed of the substance cellulose.

True or False: Hardwoods are made up of cells with heavily lignified cell walls.

True. Hardwoods are made up of cells with heavily lignified cell walls.

Which meristematic tissue contributes to the length of plant organs before thickening occurs? a) Lateral meristem b) Cork cambium c) Apical meristem d) Intercalary meristem (in dicots)

c) Apical meristem. The apical meristem contributes to the length of the plants organs before thickening occurs, as part of the primary growth process.

Which meristem produces epidermis, cortex, primary xylem & phloem, and central pith? a) Subapical Meristems b) Lateral Meristems c) Shoot Apical Meristems d) Intercalary Meristems

c) Shoot Apical Meristems. Shoot Apical Meristems produce epidermis, cortex, primary xylem & Phloem, and central Pith.

True or False: Sugars and proteins are deposited in the cells of the cortex during the spring to support plant growth in the fall.

False. Sugars and proteins are deposited in the cells of the cortex during the fall to provide food reserves to support plant growth in the spring.

The transport system of the plant, comprised of phloem, cambium, and xylem, is known as the __.

Vascular tissue. The vascular tissue is the transport system of the plant, comprised of phloem, cambium, and xylem.

Which type of xylem cell is short and fat? a) Tracheids b) Xylem vessels c) Xylem fibres d) Parenchyma

b) Xylem vessels. Xylem contains several cell types, including tracheids (long and thin) and xylem vessels (short and fat).

True or False: Xylem fibres provide structural support and are an important component of softwoods.

False. Xylem fibres provide structural support and are an important component of hardwoods, while tracheids are the primary component of softwoods.

What is the term for the most recently formed wood, closest to the cambium, that conducts water in a tree? a) Heartwood b) Pith c) Sapwood d) Springwood

c) Sapwood. Sapwood is the most recently formed wood, closest to the cambium, that conducts water of the tree.

True or False: A single winter rye plant can have a total root surface area exceeding 6,000 square feet.

True. A single winter rye plant can have a total root surface area of 6,500 sq. ft.

The region of the root where cells develop their final form, and root hairs form, is called the __.

Maturation zone. The maturation zone is where cells develop their final form, and root hairs form, and xylem cells thicken and die.

Which primary tissue of the root consists of cells that surround the vascular tissue and regulate the flow of water across the root into the xylem? a) Cortex b) Pericycle c) Endodermis d) Epidermis

c) Endodermis. The Endodermis consists of cells that surround vascular tissue and regulate the flow of water across the root into the xylem.

True or False: Older root sections are typically the primary sites for water absorption due to their extensive lignification.

False. The presence of cork, with waxy suberin, reduces the capacity for water uptake by older parts of the root; most water enters a root in the young portion close to the growing tip (root hair zone).