Test: Nutrition in Plants- 2 - UPSC MCQ

During the process of photosynthesis, plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (carbohydrate) and oxygen. The glucose produced is then stored in the form of starch. Therefore, during photosynthesis, oxygen is indeed released as a byproduct, and starch, which is a carbohydrate, is produced. The presence of starch in leaves indicates that photosynthesis has occurred.

When an insect lands in a pitcher plant, the plant's lid closes, trapping the insect inside. The inner surface of the pitcher is lined with hair that further entangles the insect, preventing its escape. The plant then secretes digestive juices to break down the insect, and the nutrients from the insect are absorbed by the plant. This process is characteristic of insectivorous plants, which capture and digest insects to obtain essential nutrients. Thus, the correct answer is:

C) The pitcher plant’s lid closes, trapping the insect, which is then digested by digestive juices and absorbed for nutrients.

- Plants with green stems are typically called herbs.
- Herbs are small plants with soft, flexible stems that are green and usually lack woody tissue.
- These plants often have a shorter life cycle and are generally used for culinary or medicinal purposes.
- Unlike trees and shrubs, herbs do not develop thick, woody stems.
- Shrubs and trees have woody stems and are structurally different from herbs.
- Thus, the correct answer is A: Herbs.