All questions of Classification of Plant Kingdom for UPSC CSE Exam

1. fruits is made up of ovary
2. seed is made up of ovule
3. wood is made up of stem
4. starch is present in leaf
so the correct answer is B.

Fungi are not plants because they lack chlorophyll, which is a key characteristic of plants. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells that is responsible for capturing sunlight and converting it into energy through the process of photosynthesis. Fungi, on the other hand, obtain their nutrients by absorbing organic matter from their environment, such as decaying plant and animal material.

Here is a detailed explanation of why fungi are not plants:

1. Absence of Chlorophyll:
Chlorophyll is essential for plants to carry out photosynthesis, the process by which they convert sunlight into energy. Fungi do not possess chlorophyll and are incapable of performing photosynthesis. Instead, they obtain their energy by breaking down organic matter through the secretion of enzymes and absorbing the resulting nutrients.

2. Mode of Nutrition:
Fungi are heterotrophic organisms, meaning they cannot produce their own food and rely on external sources for nutrients. They are decomposers, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients. In contrast, plants are autotrophic organisms that can synthesize their own food through photosynthesis.

3. Cell Wall Composition:
The cell walls of fungi are primarily composed of chitin, a tough and flexible polysaccharide. In contrast, the cell walls of plants are composed of cellulose. This difference in cell wall composition is another distinguishing feature between fungi and plants.

4. Reproduction:
Fungi have a unique mode of reproduction that sets them apart from plants. While plants reproduce through seeds or spores produced within flowers or cones, fungi reproduce through the production of spores, which are released into the environment to establish new fungal colonies.

5. Taxonomic Classification:
Fungi belong to the kingdom Fungi, which is distinct from the kingdom Plantae. The kingdom Fungi includes diverse organisms such as mushrooms, yeasts, molds, and lichens. This taxonomic classification further emphasizes the biological differences between fungi and plants.

In conclusion, fungi are not plants because they lack chlorophyll, have a different mode of nutrition, possess cell walls made of chitin, reproduce differently, and are classified in a separate kingdom. These characteristics differentiate fungi from plants and highlight their unique biological features.

Essential Service Maintenance Act
The correct answer is option 'B', Essential Service Maintenance Act. This act is designed to ensure the maintenance of essential services during times of crisis or emergencies. Here is a detailed explanation of this answer:

Definition:
The Essential Service Maintenance Act (ESMA) is a legislation that empowers the government to declare any service as "essential" for the maintenance of public order. This act allows the government to prohibit strikes and lockouts in essential services to ensure their uninterrupted operation.

Objective:
The main objective of ESMA is to prevent disruptions in essential services such as healthcare, transportation, communication, and public utilities during times of crisis. By prohibiting strikes and lockouts in these sectors, the act aims to safeguard the interests of the public and ensure the smooth functioning of vital services.

Implementation:
ESMA is typically invoked by the government when there is a threat of disruption in essential services due to strikes or other forms of industrial action. Once declared, the act empowers the authorities to take necessary measures to maintain the continuity of essential services and prevent any disruptions that may affect public order.

Controversies:
While ESMA serves an important purpose in safeguarding essential services, it has also faced criticism for restricting the rights of workers to strike and bargain collectively. Some argue that the act infringes on the fundamental rights of workers and limits their ability to negotiate for better working conditions.
In conclusion, the Essential Service Maintenance Act plays a crucial role in ensuring the uninterrupted operation of essential services during emergencies. While it is a powerful tool for maintaining public order, it is important to strike a balance between the interests of the public and the rights of workers.