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Crop Physiology
Crop Physiology
Crop Physiology
Q1. Give four philosophers that contribute in the history of crop physiology.
Answer
1. W.I Bills
2. V.H Blackman
3. F.G Briggs
4. D.J Watson
Q3. A cell performs major functions that are essential for the growth and development of
organisms discuss.
Answer
Cells perform many major functions that leads to the growth and development of an organism.
1. Cell division: Which allows for the growth and reproduction of organisms. Through the
process of cell division, cells can replicate and increase in number, leading to the growth of
tissues and organs.
2. Maintaining homeostasis: This is the ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal
environment. Cells regulate various internal processes such as temperature, pH balance, and
nutrient levels to ensure optimal conditions for survival and growth.
3. Metabolism: Cells obtain energy from nutrients and convert it into a usable form through
metabolic processes such as cellular respiration. This energy is then utilized for various cellular
activities, including growth, repair, and maintenance.
4. Ability to respond to external stimuli: Through processes like cell signaling. They can detect
changes in the environment and transmit signals to other cells to coordinate responses and adapt
to changes.
5. Synthesis and secreting substances: Cells are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of
various substances necessary for the functioning of the organism. For example, specialized cells
in the pancreas secrete insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels, while cells in the glands
produce hormones that control various bodily functions.
Q5. List down four organelles, define them and give their functions.
Answer
1. Cell wall: The cell wall is a rigid, protective outer layer that surrounds the cell membrane of
plant cells.
Functions of the cell wall
1. It provides structural support to the cell.
2. It protect the cell from physical damage, pathogens etc.
3. Regulations of water balance.
2. Cell membrane: This is the outer covering of a cell within which all other organelles such as
the cytoplasm and nucleus are enclosed.
Functions of the cell membrane
1. It permits the movement of selective substances in and out of the cell.
2. It protect the component of the cell from damage and leakage.
3. Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is a clear, thick, jelly-like substance present inside the cell
membrane.
Functions of the cytoplasm
1. It helps maintain the shape and structure of the cell.
2. The cytoplasm can store various molecules such as nutrients, ions, and proteins needed for
cellular functions.
3. It provides a medium for the movement of molecules and organelles within the cell.
4. Nucleus: The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that serves as the control center of the
cell.
Functions of the nucleus
1. It sends signals to the cells to grow mature, divide and die.
2. It protect the DNA.
3. It contains the hereditary material of the cell.
Q7. Name the types of cells in plants and discuss any one.
Answer
1. Parenchyma Cells
2. Sclerenchyma Cells
3. Collenchyma cells
1. Parenchyma Cells: Parenchyma cells are the most common type of plant cells and are found
in various parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, roots, and fruits.They have thin cell walls
and large central vacuoles filled with water, making them flexible and able to store nutrients,
water, and gases.
2. Sclerenchyma Cells: Sclerenchyma cells are characterized by thick, lignified cell walls,
providing rigidity and support to plant tissues.
Q8. Cell growth is not to be confused with cell division or the cell cycle, which are
distinguish processes that can occur alongside growth. Describe which process is this.
Answer
The process is cell growth. Cell growth refers to an increase in the total mass of the cell,
including both cytoplasm, nucleus, and organelle volume.
Cell division: Refers to the process by which a cell duplicates its genetic materials and divides
into two daughter cells.
Q11. Talk on five main differences between the two types of plant cell.
Answer
PARENCHYMA CELLS SCLERENCHYMA CELLS
1 They have a primary cell wall, which is thin They have a secondary cell wall, that
and flexible. is thicker and more rigid.
2 Parenchyma cells have a roughly spherical Sclerenchyma cells are slimmed and
shape. have a more uniform shape.
3 Parenchyma cells are involved in various Sclerenchyma cells primarily provide
functions, including photosynthesis, storage mechanical support and structural
of nutrients, and secretion. integrity to the plant.
4 Parenchyma cells typically have large central Sclerenchyma cells have small or no
vacuoles vacuoles
5 Parenchyma cells are generally short-lived Sclerenchyma cells are long-lived and
and undergo frequent division and undergo little to no division.
differentiation.
Q15. Explain the process involved in the transportation of water and minerals in plants.
Answer
In plants, water and minerals are transported through a complex system called the vascular
system. This system consists of two types of tissues: xylem and phloem.
Water and minerals enter the roots of the plant through root hairs and move into the root cells.
From there, they enter the xylem tissue, which is responsible for the upward transport of water
and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. This process is mainly driven by
transpiration, which is the loss of water vapor from the leaves.
Minerals, are transported along with water through the xylem. They are dissolved in the water
and carried up to the different parts of the plant, where they are used for various metabolic
processes.
The phloem tissue, which is responsible for the transport of organic molecules such as sugars,
amino acids, and hormones. Phloem transports these substances from the leaves, where they are
produced through photosynthesis, to the other parts of the plant, including the roots and growing
regions.
The movement of organic molecules in the phloem occurs through a process called translocation.
The movement of substances in the phloem is controlled by specialized cells called sieve
elements.
Q17. Explain the two stages of the process that produce the four-carbon intermediate
compound in the C4 photosynthesis.
Answer
1. Photosynthetic process: occurs in the chloroplast of a thin-walled mesophyll cell. Once
created, the plant pumps the immediate compound into thick-wall bundle sheath cell, where it
splits the compound into carbondioxide and a three-carbon compound.
2. Carbondioxide process: then undergoes the cell in cycle, as in C3 photosynthesis.
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Q19. Name the three categories of plant nutrient and Talk on any one.
Answer
1. Primary nutrients: These are essential elements required by plants in relatively large
quantities for normal growth and development. Primary nutrients include elements such as
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.
2. Secondary nutrients: Secondary nutrients are required by plants in moderate quantities and
include elements such as calcium, magnesium, and Sulphur.
3. Micro nutrients: Micronutrients are essential elements required by plants in smaller
quantities but are equally important for various physiological processes. Micronutrients include
elements such as iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, and chlorine.
Q20. Name the types of plant systems and Talk on any one.
Answer
1. Root system: The root system anchors the plant in the soil and absorbs water and nutrients
from the surrounding environment.
It consists of primary roots, lateral roots, and root hairs, which increase the surface area for water
and nutrient absorption.
Root systems vary among plant species, with some having taproots and others having fibrous
root systems.
2. Shoot system: The shoot system consists of the above ground parts of the plant, including
stems, leaves, buds, flowers, and fruits.
Stems provide support for leaves and reproductive structures and serve as conduits for the
transport of water, nutrients, and sugars.
Leaves are the primary sites of photosynthesis, where chlorophyll-containing cells capture light
energy and convert it into chemical energy.
Buds give rise to new shoots or flowers, contributing to plant growth and reproduction.
Flowers are the reproductive structures of angiosperms (flowering plants), containing male and
female reproductive organs responsible for pollination and seed formation.
Fruits develop from fertilized flowers and protect seeds while aiding in their dispersal.