Biology: Short Answer Assignment, Essay Example

1. Differentiate between primary and secondary growth as seen in plants.

These two differentiate at the type of growth, with primary growth seen as the lengthening of the stem and roots, whereas secondary growth occurs at the vascular cambium and cortex cambium, where the structure is increased in width. All types of plant growth is seen by the occurrence of cell division and cell elongation.

2. Describe the function of roots in plants.

The roots have three major functions in a plant, and these are: the absorption of water and other nutrients, anchoring the plant in the ground, and to provide the plant for a storage of food and nutrients.

3. Describe how water and other molecules are transported throughout the plant.

Water and other molecules pass through the plant because of something called the pressure-flow theory. This is when sieve tubes within the plant permit the flow of sugar solution under the influence of a fluid pressure to distribute nutrients throughout the plant and convert it to energy.

4. Describe the function of the plant hormones discussed. Gibberellins, Auxins, Abscisic acid, cytokinins, Ethylene.

“Auxins are produced in the stem, buds, and root tips. E g. Indole Acetic Acid (IA). Auxins play an essential role in many growth and behavioral processes in the plant. Gibberellins are plant growth substances involved in the promotion of stem elongation, mobilization of food reserves in seeds and other tissues. Cytokines are a class of plant growth regulator substances (plant hormones) active in promoting cell division, and cell growth, differentiation, and other physiological processes. Ethylene is synthesized in the ripening fruits and the senescent leaf and flowers. Abscisic Acid (ABA), also known as abscisin II and dormin, is a plant hormone. Abscisic acid is named so because it was believed that this plant growth regulator caused the abscission of leaves from deciduous trees in the fall and help the plant tolerate stressful conditions” (“Unit-13-Regulation”, n.d.)

5. Differentiate between sexual and asexual reproduction in plants.

Asexual Reproduction is the process by which a single organism produces a new organism identical to itself. An asexually reproducing organism does not require a partner to produce offspring. This is the opposite of sexual reproduction where a new organism is developed through the joining of a female and a male cell; this requires a sexual partner.

References

Unit-13-Regulation of Metabolism in Plants by Phytohormones (n.d.). Metabolism in Plants by Phytohormones. Retrieved http://train-srv.manipalu.com/wpress/?p=92163