Shreya plucked a lotus plant from a pond near her house. She observed ...
The stems in lotus plants are hollow and very light. This helps the leaves to float on water.
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Shreya plucked a lotus plant from a pond near her house. She observed ...
Function of the Stem in a Lotus Plant
The stem of a lotus plant serves several important functions that contribute to its survival and growth. The correct answer to the given question is option 'A', which states that the stem helps the leaves float on water. Let's understand this function in detail:
1. Buoyancy:
The hollow stem of a lotus plant is responsible for providing buoyancy to the plant. Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid (in this case, water) that opposes the weight of an object immersed in it. The air-filled hollow stem of the lotus plant allows it to stay afloat on water, preventing it from sinking. This adaptation is crucial for the plant's survival as it enables the leaves to remain above water, where they can efficiently carry out photosynthesis.
2. Gas Exchange:
Another important function of the stem is to facilitate gas exchange. The hollow space inside the stem allows gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, to move freely between the submerged roots and the aerial parts of the plant. Oxygen is necessary for respiration, while carbon dioxide is a product of respiration that needs to be released. The stem acts as a conduit, allowing these gases to be exchanged efficiently.
3. Nutrient Transport:
The stem of the lotus plant also plays a role in transporting nutrients throughout the plant. The roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil, which are then transported upwards through the stem to the leaves, flowers, and other parts of the plant. The hollow nature of the stem helps in the movement of these essential substances.
4. Support and Stability:
In addition to its functional role, the stem provides support and stability to the lotus plant. The stem is flexible yet strong, allowing the plant to withstand the movement of water and the forces of wind. It prevents the plant from being easily uprooted or toppled over, ensuring its survival in the dynamic aquatic environment.
Overall, the stem of a lotus plant serves multiple functions, including buoyancy, gas exchange, nutrient transport, and providing support and stability. However, in the context of the given question, the main function emphasized is the stem's role in helping the leaves float on water, which is crucial for the lotus plant's survival and growth.
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