All questions of Getting to Know Plants for Class 6 Exam

The male sex cells of seed plants (flowering plants, conifers, and cycads) are contained in tough capsules called POLLEN. Pollen grains are produced by organs called anthers and must be transferred to the female parts of plants in order to form seeds. This process, called pollination, can be achieved in various ways. Some plants are assisted by animals that act as POLLINATORS. Others use the wind to take their pollen where it is needed.

Herb as a Plant

A herb is a plant that is used for medicinal, culinary or aromatic purposes. These plants are usually small in size and lack woody stems. They can be annual, biennial or perennial. Herbs are usually grown for their leaves, flowers or roots.

Example of a Herb

The correct answer to this question is option 'C' - Wheat. Wheat is an example of a herb. It is an annual grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. Wheat is a cereal crop that is grown for its seeds. It is one of the most important staple crops in the world and is used to make a variety of food products such as bread, pasta, cakes, and biscuits.

Characteristics of Wheat

- Wheat is an annual plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season.
- It has a hollow stem and narrow leaves.
- The flowers of wheat are arranged in spikelets and are usually self-pollinated.
- The seeds of wheat are small and hard and are enclosed in a husk.

Importance of Wheat

- Wheat is an important source of carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber.
- It is a staple food in many parts of the world and is used to make a variety of food products.
- In addition to food, wheat is also used for animal feed and as a raw material for biofuels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wheat is an example of a herb that is grown for its seeds. It is an important staple crop that is used to make a variety of food products. Herbs are an important part of the plant kingdom and are used for various purposes.

• Herbs: These are small, non-woody plants with a soft stem. They typically have a single stem and do not usually have branches at the base. Examples include basil, mint, and coriander.
• Shrubs: These are medium-sized plants with multiple woody stems that usually start branching out from the base or near the ground. Shrubs are bushy and shorter than trees. Examples include rose, hibiscus, and bougainvillea.
• Creepers: These are plants with very weak stems that grow along the ground or other surfaces. They don't usually have branches at the base, but they spread out horizontally. Examples include pumpkin, watermelon, and ivy.
• Trees: These are tall, woody plants with a single main trunk and branches that usually grow higher up from the ground. They typically do not have branches at the base. Examples include oak, pine, and mango.

The shoot is the above ground portion of the plant. In the shoot system, one will find the stem, leaves, flowers, and fruit. The stem is the sturdy stalk that grows from the roots and sprouts leaves and flowers. The stem provides structure to the plant and carries all of the needed nutrients to the plant through stem structures called the xylem and phloem.

The green colored pigment in leaves is known as chlorophyll. There are other color pigments present as well such as yellow, red, blue, orange, etc. depending on the the needs, species environment of the plant. Plants require chlorophyll to convert sunlight into chemical energy which is known as photosynthesis.

The axillary bud (or lateral bud) is an embryonic shoot located in the axil of a leaf. Each bud has the potential to form shoots, and may be specialized in producing either vegetative shoots (stems and branches) or reproductive shoots (flowers).

The shoot is the above ground portion of the plant. In the shoot system, one will find the stem, leaves, flowers, and fruit. The stem is the sturdy stalk that grows from the roots and sprouts leaves and flowers.

< b="" />Introduction< />
Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that is widely consumed for its nutritional benefits. It is considered a superfood due to its high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Different parts of the spinach plant can be consumed, but the most commonly used part is the leaves.

< b="" />Leaves< />
The leaves of the spinach plant are the most commonly used part as a vegetable. They are rich in nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and folate. Spinach leaves are known for their dark green color and distinct taste. They can be eaten raw in salads, cooked in various dishes, or used as an ingredient in smoothies, soups, and sauces. Spinach leaves can also be dried and powdered to be used as a seasoning or in making green powders.

< b="" />Stems< />
The stems of the spinach plant are edible, but they are not as commonly used as the leaves. The stems are usually thicker and less tender compared to the leaves. However, they can still be cooked and used in dishes like stir-fries or added to soups and stews. Some people prefer to remove the stems before cooking spinach, as they can be slightly fibrous and take longer to cook.

< b="" />Roots< />
Unlike some other vegetables, the roots of the spinach plant are not typically consumed. The roots serve the purpose of anchoring the plant in the soil and absorbing water and nutrients from the ground. They are not considered edible and are usually discarded.

< b="" />Modified Roots< />
There are no modified roots in the spinach plant that are used as a vegetable. Modified roots are specialized structures found in certain plants that have adapted to perform specific functions. In the case of spinach, there are no known modified roots that are consumed as a vegetable.

In conclusion, the leaves of the spinach plant are the part that is primarily used as a vegetable. They are packed with nutrients and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. The stems of spinach can also be consumed, although they are less commonly used. The roots of spinach are not edible, and there are no modified roots in the spinach plant that are used as a vegetable.

Understanding Modified Stems
Modified stems are specialized structures that perform additional functions beyond the typical characteristics of stems. They can store food, provide support, and help in vegetative reproduction.
Examples of Modified Stems:
- Potato (Correct Answer):
- The potato is a tuber, which is a type of modified stem.
- It stores starch and nutrients, allowing the plant to survive adverse conditions.
- The "eyes" of the potato are actually buds from which new plants can grow.
- Carrot:
- Carrots are taproots, not modified stems.
- They primarily store energy in the form of sugars.
- Spinach:
- Spinach has a typical stem structure and does not have modified stems.
- Its edible parts are leaves.
- Onion:
- An onion is classified as a bulb, which consists of a short stem surrounded by fleshy leaves.
- While it is a modified structure, it is not categorized as a stem like the potato.
Conclusion:
In summary, the potato is classified as a modified stem due to its tuberous nature, which allows it to store nutrients and propagate the plant. Understanding these classifications helps in recognizing the diverse strategies plants use for survival and reproduction.

Tree

- Trees are characterized by having a thick and hard stem, also known as a trunk.
- The trunk of a tree is responsible for providing support to the branches and leaves.
- The thick stem of a tree allows it to grow tall and upright, reaching great heights.
- Trees have a woody stem that increases in diameter over time, unlike herbs, shrubs, and climbers.
- The presence of a thick and hard stem is a distinguishing feature of trees, making them stand out from other types of plants like herbs, shrubs, and climbers.

Primary Role of Phloem in Plants
Phloem is a vital tissue in vascular plants, primarily responsible for the transport of food. Let's explore its role in detail.
Food Transport
- Phloem is responsible for transporting organic nutrients, particularly sugars produced through photosynthesis in the leaves.
- The sugars move from the leaves, where they are synthesized, to other parts of the plant that require energy, like roots, stems, and developing fruits.
- This process is called translocation, ensuring that all parts of the plant receive the necessary nutrients to grow and function effectively.
Structure of Phloem
- Phloem consists of specialized cells, including sieve elements and companion cells.
- Sieve elements form tubes that allow the smooth flow of nutrients, while companion cells help in the loading and unloading of sugars.
Importance of Phloem
- Phloem plays a crucial role in the overall health and survival of plants by distributing energy-rich compounds.
- A healthy phloem system supports growth, reproduction, and resilience against environmental stresses.
Comparison with Other Plant Tissues
- Unlike xylem, which transports water and minerals from the roots to the leaves, phloem's primary function centers on distributing food.
- This distinction emphasizes the unique and essential role of phloem in plant physiology.
In summary, phloem's primary role in plants is the transport of food, ensuring that all parts of the plant receive the nutrients necessary for growth and vitality. Understanding this function is crucial for appreciating how plants sustain themselves and thrive in their environments.

Plants provide protective cover on the land and prevent soil erosion for the following reasons: Plants slow down water as it flows over the land and this allows much of the rain to soak into the ground. Plant roots hold the soil in position and prevent it from being blown or washed away.

Understanding Plant Roots
Roots play a crucial role in the growth and survival of plants. They perform several essential functions, but not all of them are related to food preparation.
Functions of Plant Roots
- Absorbing Water and Minerals:
Roots are responsible for taking up water and essential nutrients from the soil, which are vital for the plant's growth and overall health.
- Holding the Plant Firmly:
Roots anchor the plant securely in the soil, preventing it from being uprooted by wind or water, thus providing stability.
- Storing Food for Future Use:
Some plants utilize their roots to store nutrients and energy in the form of starches, which can be used later when the plant requires additional energy.
Why Option C is Correct
- Preparing Food for the Plant:
This is NOT a function of the roots. Instead, the leaves of the plant are responsible for photosynthesis, the process through which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (food).
- The roots do not have the capability to synthesize food; this essential function is carried out by the leaves where chlorophyll captures sunlight.
Conclusion
In summary, while roots are vital for water and nutrient absorption, anchorage, and storage, they do not prepare food for the plant. This role is specifically assigned to the leaves, making option 'C' the correct answer.