🩸 Biology · Chapter 12 · Samacheer Kalvi Grade 10

Samacheer Class 10 Science - Plant Anatomy and Plant Physiology

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Samacheer Kalvi Class 10 Science Chapter 12 Plant Anatomy and Plant Physiology book back questions and answers — all MCQ, short answer and long answer with complete solutions and diagrams. This chapter covers tissues, meristematic tissue, permanent tissue, internal structure of root stem and leaf, photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration and plant growth hormones as per the TN SSLC Biology syllabus.

Plant Anatomy and Plant Physiology — key concepts & quick answers

What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants make their own food (glucose) from carbon dioxide and water using sunlight and chlorophyll, releasing oxygen as a by-product.
What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll is the green pigment in leaves that absorbs sunlight and converts light energy into the chemical energy used to make food.
What is respiration in plants?
Respiration is the process by which plants break down glucose to release energy, taking in oxygen and giving out carbon dioxide. It occurs in all living cells, both day and night.
What is the difference between photosynthesis and respiration?
Photosynthesis builds food and stores energy (uses CO₂, releases O₂, only in light); respiration breaks down food and releases energy (uses O₂, releases CO₂, all the time).
What are stomata and their function?
Stomata are tiny pores, mainly on the lower surface of leaves, through which gases are exchanged and water vapour is lost in transpiration. Each pore is bordered by two guard cells.
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Multiple Choice Questions Fill in the Blanks True or False Match the Following Assertion & Reasoning Short Answer Questions Numerical Problems Long Answer Questions
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MCQI. Multiple Choice Questions1 mark each
Q.1 Casparian strips are present in the _____________ of the root.
✓ Answer: D. endodermis
Q.2 The endarch condition is the characteristic feature of
✓ Answer: B. stem
Q.3 The xylem and phloem arranged side by side on same radius is called _________
✓ Answer: C. conjoint
Q.4 Which is formed during anaerobic respiration
✓ Answer: B. Ethyl alcohol
Q.5 Kreb’s cycle takes place in
✓ Answer: B. mitochondrial matrix
Q.6 Oxygen is produced at what point during photosynthesis ?
✓ Answer: (C) when H2O is split (photolysis of water in the light reactions, Photosystem II).
FillII. Fill in the Blanks1 mark each
#Statement (Answer in bold)
1The innermost layer of cortex in root is called endodermis.
2Xylem and phloem occurring on the same radius constitute a vascular bundle called conjoint.
3Glycolysis takes place in cytoplasm.
4The source of O2 liberated in photosynthesis is water.
5Mitochondria is ATP factory of the cells
T/FIII. True or False1 mark each
#StatementAnswerCorrection (if False)
1Phloem tissue is involved in the transport of water in plant.FalsePhloem tissue is involved in the transport of food in plant.
2The waxy protective covering of a plant is called as cuticle.True
3In monocot stem cambium is present in between xylem and phloem.FalseIn dicot stem cambium is present between xylem and phloem.
4Palisade parenchyma cells occur below upper epidermis in dicot root.FalsePalisade parenchyma cells occur below upper epidermis in dicot leaf.
5Mesophyll contains chlorophyll.True
6Anaerobic respiration produces more ATP than aerobic respiration.FalseAerobic respiration produces more ATP than anaerobic respiration.
MatchIV. Match the Following1 mark each
Column AColumn B
AmphicribalFern
CambiumSecondary growth
AmphivasalDracaena
XylemConduction of water
PhloemTranslocation of food
ShortVI. Short Answer Questions2 marks each
Q.1 What is collateral vascular bundle?
✓ Answer
Collateral vascular bundle is one type of conjoint vascular bundle in which Xylem lies towards the centre and phloem lies towards the periphery. Eg : Dicot stem.
Q.2 Where does the carbon that is used in photosynthesis come from?
✓ Answer
The carbon that is used in photosynthesis comes from carbon dioxide in the air.
Q.3 What is the common step in aerobic and anaerobic pathway?
✓ Answer
Glycolysis is the common step in aerobic and anaerobic pathway.
Q.4 Name the phenomenon by which carbohydrates are oxidized to release ethyl alcohol.
✓ Answer

The phenomenon by which carbohydrates, particularly sugars like glucose, are oxidized in the absence of oxygen to produce ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide is called fermentation. This process is carried out by certain microorganisms, such as yeast, and is a form of anaerobic respiration. It is a vital process in the production of alcoholic beverages and also plays a role in the baking industry.

ShortVI. Short Answer Questions2 marks each
Q.1 Give an account on vascular bundle of dicot stem.
✓ Answer
The central part of the stem inner to endodermis is known as stele. It consists of pericycle, vascular bundle and pith. Vascular bundle : Vascular bundles are conjoint, collateral, endarch and open. They are arranged in the form of a ring around the pith.
Q.2 Write a short note on mesophyll.
✓ Answer
(i) The tissue present between the upper and lower epidermis of a dicot leaf is called mesophyll.
(ii) It is differentiated into Palisade parenchyma and Spongy parenchyma.
Palisade parenchyma :
(i) It is found just below the upper epidermis. The cells are elongated.
(ii) These cells have more number of chloroplasts. The cells do not have intercellular spaces and they take part in photosynthesis.
Spongy parenchyma :
(i) It is found below the palisade parenchyma tissue.
(ii) Cells are almost spherical or oval and are irregularly arranged.
(iii) Cells have intercellular spaces. It helps in gaseous exchange.
Q.3 Draw and label the structure of oxysomes.
✓ Answer
Oxysomes are the small knob-like F1 particles present on the inner mitochondrial membrane or cristae. A labelled diagram should show the mitochondrial outer membrane, inner membrane, cristae, matrix, stalk and the knob-like oxysome/F1 particle. Oxysomes contain enzymes needed for ATP synthesis during respiration.
Q.4 Name the three basic tissues system in flowering plants.
✓ Answer
The three basic tissue systems in flowering plants are
(i) Epidermal tissue system
(ii) Ground tissue system
(iii) Vascular tissue system
Q.5 What is photosynthesis and where in a cell does it occur?
✓ Answer
Photosynthesis is the process by which autotrophic organisms (green plants, algae, chlorophyll‑containing bacteria) use light energy to synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen. Net equation: 6CO2 + 6H2O —light, chlorophyll→ C6H12O6 + 6O2. Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts (light‑dependent reactions in grana/thylakoids; light‑independent reactions in stroma).
Q.6 What is respiratory quotient?
✓ Answer
Respiratory quotient is the ratio of volume of carbon dioxide liberated and the volume of oxygen consumed during respiration. It is expressed as
RQ = Volume of CO2 liberated / Volume of O2 consumed
Q.7 Why should the light dependent reaction occur before the light independent reaction?
✓ Answer
(i) Light dependent reaction of photosynthesis refers to the light reaction / Hill reaction. This reaction occurs in the presence of light in the grana of chloroplast.
(ii) During this process photosynthetic pigments absorb the light energy, and convert it into chemical energy ATP and NADPH2.
(iii) The Light Independent reaction refers to the Dark reaction of photosynthesis or the biosynthetic pathway which occurs in stroma of chloroplast.
(iv) During this reaction CO2, is reduced into carbohydrates with the help of light generated ATP and NADPH2.
(v) Thus light dependent reaction occurs before the light independent reaction.
Q.8 Write the reaction for photosynthesis?
✓ Answer
6CO2 + 12 H2O -Light--chlorophyll\rightarrow C6H12O6 + 6H2O + 6O2 ↑
Carbon dioxide + Water \rightarrow Glucose + Water + Oxygen
LongVIII. Long Answer Questions5 marks each
Q.1 Differentiate the following a) Monocot root and Dicot root b) Aerobic and Anaerobic respiration
✓ Answer
a) Monocot root vs Dicot root (concise points):
- Vascular arrangement: Monocot root — many xylem and phloem patches (polyarch) arranged in a ring; Dicot root — xylem central, star‑shaped with phloem between arms.
- Pith: Monocot root — pith present; Dicot root — pith usually absent.
- Cambium and secondary growth: Monocot root — cambium absent, no secondary growth; Dicot root — cambium present, secondary growth possible.
- Root system type (plant level): Monocots — fibrous root system; Dicots — tap root system.
- Examples: Monocot — maize, grass; Dicot — sunflower, gram.

b) Aerobic vs Anaerobic respiration (concise points):
- Oxygen requirement: Aerobic — requires O2; Anaerobic — occurs without O2.
- Site: Aerobic — mitochondria; Anaerobic — cytoplasm (glycolysis/fermentation).
- End products: Aerobic — CO2 + H2O; Anaerobic (plants/yeast) — alcohol + CO2; (animals) — lactic acid.
- ATP yield: Aerobic — high (≈38 ATP per glucose, textbook level); Anaerobic — low (2 ATP per glucose).
- Example equations: Aerobic: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (~38 ATP). Anaerobic (yeast): C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + energy (2 ATP); Anaerobic (muscle): C6H12O6 → 2C3H6O3 + energy (2 ATP).
Q.1 Number of Xylem : Polyarch
✓ Answer

A polyarch arrangement of xylem, characterized by more than four xylem arms radiating from the center, is a distinctive feature typically found in the roots of monocotyledonous plants, such as grasses. This arrangement reflects the specific growth and functional requirements of monocot roots, which are adapted for efficient water and nutrient absorption from the soil.

Q.2 Cambium : Absent
✓ Answer
Cambium (vascular cambium) is absent in monocots, so secondary thickening does not occur.
Q.3 Secondary Growth : Absent
✓ Answer

Secondary growth, which involves an increase in the diameter of stems and roots due to the activity of lateral meristems, is generally absent in monocotyledonous plants. This is primarily because monocots lack a vascular cambium, the essential tissue responsible for producing secondary xylem and secondary phloem, which contribute to secondary thickening.

Q.4 Pith : Present
✓ Answer
Pith (central parenchymatous tissue) is present in monocot roots. In dicot roots the centre is occupied by xylem (pith absent).
Q.1 Number of Xylem : Tetrarch
✓ Answer
Tetrarch (four xylem arms) is typical of many dicot roots.
Q.2 Cambium : Present (During secondary growth only)
✓ Answer

The presence of cambium, which appears during secondary growth, is a key feature in certain plant tissues. This lateral meristem, known as vascular cambium, is responsible for producing secondary xylem towards the inside of the stem or root and secondary phloem towards the outside. This activity leads to an increase in the plant's girth, a process vital for woody plants.

Q.3 Secondary Growth : Present
✓ Answer

Secondary growth, characterized by an increase in girth through the activity of lateral meristems like the vascular cambium and cork cambium, is a prominent feature in the stems and roots of dicotyledonous plants and gymnosperms. This process allows for the formation of wood and bark, providing structural support and enhancing water transport. In contrast, most monocotyledonous plants lack secondary growth, as they do not possess the necessary cambial tissues.

Q.4 Pith : Absent
✓ Answer
Pith: Absent — characteristic of dicot root (central region is occupied by xylem; pith is usually absent).
Q.1 Organic food is completely oxidised with the help of oxygen.
✓ Answer
True — Organic food (glucose) is completely oxidised in presence of oxygen (aerobic respiration): C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (ATP).
Q.2 Glucose is broken down into carbon dioxide, water and energy.
✓ Answer
True — Glucose is broken down into carbon dioxide, water and energy during aerobic respiration: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (ATP).
Q.3 Lot of energy is produced
✓ Answer

Aerobic respiration is a metabolic process where glucose is completely broken down in the presence of oxygen to release a substantial amount of energy. This energy is primarily captured in the form of ATP molecules, with approximately 36 to 38 ATP molecules produced per molecule of glucose. The process is highly efficient and occurs in three distinct stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain, each contributing to the overall energy yield.

Q.4 It is a complex process and occurs in three major steps.
✓ Answer

Aerobic respiration is indeed a complex metabolic pathway that involves the complete breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen. It unfolds in three major, interconnected steps: glycolysis, where glucose is initially broken down into pyruvate; the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle), which further oxidizes pyruvate derivatives; and oxidative phosphorylation, which includes the electron transport chain, where the majority of ATP is generated through a series of redox reactions.

Q.1 Organic food is broken down in the absence of oxygen.
✓ Answer

Anaerobic respiration, also known as fermentation, is a metabolic process where organic food molecules, typically glucose, are broken down in the absence of oxygen. This process yields significantly less energy compared to aerobic respiration because the breakdown of glucose is incomplete. Instead of being fully oxidized, glucose is converted into simpler organic compounds like ethanol or lactate, depending on the organism and conditions.

Q.2 Glucose is converted into ethanol or lactate.
✓ Answer

In anaerobic respiration, also referred to as fermentation, the glucose molecule undergoes an incomplete breakdown in the absence of oxygen. The end products of this process vary depending on the specific type of fermentation. For instance, in alcoholic fermentation, glucose is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide, while in lactic acid fermentation, it is converted into lactate. This incomplete oxidation means that much of the energy stored in the glucose molecule remains unreleased.

Q.3 Very small quantity of energy is produced
✓ Answer

Anaerobic respiration, or fermentation, results in the production of a very small quantity of energy compared to aerobic respiration. This is because the breakdown of glucose is incomplete, meaning that not all the chemical energy stored within the glucose molecule is released. The process occurs in the absence of oxygen and typically yields only a net gain of two ATP molecules per glucose molecule, which is significantly less than the 36-38 ATP produced during aerobic respiration.

Q.4 It is a simpler process.
✓ Answer
Anaerobic respiration is the simpler process because glucose is broken down incompletely in the absence of oxygen, mainly in the cytoplasm, producing only a small amount of energy.
Q.2 Describe and name three stages of cellular respiration that aerobic organisms use to obtain energy from glucose.
✓ Answer
Three stages of aerobic respiration: (1) Glycolysis - in cytoplasm; 1 glucose (6C) forms 2 pyruvate (3C), with net 2 ATP and 2 NADH. (2) Link reaction and Krebs cycle - in the mitochondrial matrix; 2 pyruvate form 2 acetyl-CoA, and complete oxidation produces carbon dioxide, 2 ATP/GTP, NADH and FADH2. (3) Electron transport chain - on the inner mitochondrial membrane; NADH and FADH2 are oxidized, oxygen acts as the terminal electron acceptor and water is formed. Most ATP is synthesized in this stage. The total yield is about 36 ATP per glucose in the school-textbook approximation.
Q.3 How does the light dependent reaction differ from the light independent reaction? What are the end product and reactants in each? Where does each reaction occur within the chloroplast?
✓ Answer
Light‑dependent reactions (light reactions): occur in thylakoid membranes (grana). Reactants: light, H2O, ADP + Pi, NADP+. Products: O2, ATP, NADPH. Light‑independent reactions (Calvin cycle/Dark reactions): occur in stroma. Reactants: CO2, ATP, NADPH. Products: G3P (used to form glucose), ADP + Pi, NADP+.
Q.1 It takes place in the presence of light and is called as Light reaction of photosynthesis or Hill reaction.
✓ Answer

The process described is the light-dependent reaction, also known as the light reaction or the Hill reaction, which is a crucial part of photosynthesis. It occurs in the presence of light and takes place within the grana, specifically the thylakoid membranes, of the chloroplasts. During this stage, light energy is absorbed by photosynthetic pigments, leading to the photolysis of water, which releases oxygen, and the generation of chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

Q.2 It takes place in the grana of the chloroplast.
✓ Answer

The light-dependent reactions, also referred to as the light reactions of photosynthesis, are localized within the grana of the chloroplasts. The grana are stacks of thylakoid membranes, and it is within these membranes that the photosynthetic pigments are embedded. These pigments capture light energy, initiating the process of converting light energy into chemical energy, while also playing a role in the splitting of water molecules.

Q.3 During light reaction, photosyntetic pigments absorb the light energy and convert it into chemical energy ATP and NADPH2.
✓ Answer

During the light reaction, which occurs in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast, photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll absorb light energy. This absorbed energy is then utilized to convert light energy into chemical energy, stored in the molecules of ATP and NADPH. Concurrently, water molecules are split through a process called photolysis, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Thus, the light reaction is essential for capturing solar energy and producing the energy carriers needed for the subsequent dark reaction.

Q.4 The inputs are water, solar energy, photosynthetic pigments. The end products are ATP and NADPH2.
✓ Answer

The light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis has specific inputs and outputs. The essential inputs are water, which is split to release electrons and protons, and solar energy, which is captured by photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll. The primary end products of the light reaction are ATP and NADPH, which are energy-carrying molecules. Additionally, oxygen is released as a byproduct from the photolysis of water. These products are then utilized in the subsequent dark reaction to synthesize glucose.

Q.1 This takes place in the absence of light and is called dark reaction of photosynthesis or biosynthetic phase.
✓ Answer

This phase of photosynthesis, known as the dark reaction or the light-independent reaction, also referred to as the Calvin cycle or the biosynthetic phase, takes place in the stroma of the chloroplast. It does not directly require light but utilizes the ATP and NADPH produced during the light-dependent reactions to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide and convert it into glucose and other organic molecules.

Q.2 It takes place in the stroma of the chloroplast.
✓ Answer

The dark reaction, which is also called the light-independent reaction or the Calvin cycle, occurs within the stroma of the chloroplast. The stroma is the fluid-filled space surrounding the grana. In this location, the chemical energy stored in ATP and NADPH, generated during the light-dependent reactions, is used to convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into glucose and other carbohydrates through a series of enzymatic reactions.

Q.3 Explain the dark reaction (Calvin cycle) by which CO2 is reduced into carbohydrates using ATP and NADPH.
✓ Answer

The dark reaction, also known as the Calvin cycle, is a crucial part of photosynthesis where carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is converted into carbohydrates. This process occurs in the stroma of the chloroplasts. It utilizes the chemical energy stored in ATP and the reducing power of NADPH, both of which are generated during the preceding light-dependent reactions. Through a series of enzymatic steps, CO2 is 'fixed' and reduced to form sugars like glucose, which serve as food for the plant.

Q.4 The inputs are CO2 from the atmosphere and ATP and NADPH2 from the light reaction. The end product is glucose.
✓ Answer

The Calvin cycle, often referred to as the dark reaction of photosynthesis, is a complex biochemical pathway that takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts. The primary inputs for this cycle are carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed from the atmosphere, and the energy-carrying molecules ATP and NADPH, which are produced during the light-dependent reactions. Through a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions, these inputs are used to reduce CO2 and ultimately synthesize glucose (C6H12O6), the main carbohydrate end product that fuels the plant's growth and metabolic activities.

HOTIX. Higher Order Thinking3 marks each
Q.1 The reactions of photosynthesis make up a biochemical pathway.
✓ Answer

Photosynthesis involves two main sets of reactions that form a biochemical pathway. The light-dependent reactions occur in the grana of the chloroplasts, where water (H2O) is split and light energy is captured to produce oxygen (O2) as a byproduct, along with the energy-rich molecules ATP and NADPH. Subsequently, the dark reaction, or Calvin cycle, takes place in the stroma of the chloroplasts. This cycle uses the CO2 from the atmosphere along with the ATP and NADPH generated in the light reactions. Its primary products are triose phosphates, which are then used to synthesize glucose and other carbohydrates, and the regeneration of RuBP (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate), a key molecule required to initiate the cycle again.

Q.2 Where do the light dependent reaction and the Calvin cycle occur in the chloroplast?
✓ Answer
(i) The light dependent reaction refers to the light reaction of photosynthesis or Hill reaction and occurs in the grana of chloroplast.
(ii) The Calvin cycle occurs in the stroma of chloroplast.
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