Consider the following statements regarding the effect of frost on pl...
Effect of Frost on Plants
Introduction:
Frost is a condition where the temperature drops below freezing point, causing ice crystals to form on plant surfaces. This can have various effects on plants, including damage to their cells and dehydration.
Statement 1: As a result of frost, water in the intercellular spaces of the plant gets frozen into ice which withdraws water from the interior of the cells.
Explanation:
- When frost occurs, the water present in the intercellular spaces of the plant freezes, forming ice crystals.
- As the ice crystals form, they withdraw water from the interior of the cells due to osmotic pressure.
- This withdrawal of water can lead to dehydration of the cells, causing damage to the plant tissues.
Statement 2: This results in decreasing concentration of salts and dehydration of cells.
Explanation:
- When water is withdrawn from the interior of the cells due to the formation of ice crystals, the concentration of salts in the remaining water increases.
- This increase in salt concentration can disrupt the normal functioning of the cells and lead to dehydration.
- Dehydration of cells can cause wilting, tissue damage, and even death of the plant.
Conclusion:
Based on the explanations provided, it can be concluded that Statement 1 is correct. Frost causes the water in the intercellular spaces of the plant to freeze into ice, which withdraws water from the interior of the cells, leading to dehydration. However, Statement 2 is incorrect as it suggests a decrease in the concentration of salts, whereas the actual effect is an increase in salt concentration due to water withdrawal. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.
Consider the following statements regarding the effect of frost on pl...
- Effect of frost on plants: Killing of young plants - Even a light radiation frost chills the soil resulting in freezing the soil moisture. The plants growing in such soil, get exposed to direct sunlight in the morning, they are killed due to increased transpiration when their roots are unable to supply moisture. This is the main reason for innumerable death of sal seedlings.
- Death of plants due to damage to cells - As a result of frost, water in the intercellular spaces of the plant gets frozen into ice which withdraws water from the interior of the cells. This results in increased concentration of salts and dehydration of cells. Thus coagulation and precipitation of the cell colloid result in the death of the plant.