Question Bank on Morphology of Flowering Plants

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 Mark Each)

1. What are the characteristic structures present in all angiosperms?

2. What is the underground part of a flowering plant called?
3. What is the main function of the root system?
4. Name the thimble-like structure that covers the root apex.
5. Which region of the root is responsible for its growth in length?
6. What are root hairs, and what is their function?
7. From which part of the embryo does the stem develop?
8. Define a node on a stem.
9. What are internodes?
10. What is the primary function of leaves?
11. Name the three main parts of a typical leaf.
12. What is venation?
13. Give an example of a plant with reticulate venation.
14. Give an example of a plant with parallel venation.
15. What is a simple leaf?
16. What is a compound leaf?
17. Define phyllotaxy.
18. Name the three main types of phyllotaxy.
19. What is an inflorescence?
20. What is a solitary flower?
21. What is the reproductive unit in angiosperms?
22. Name the four whorls of a typical flower.
23. Which floral whorls are considered accessory organs?
24. Which floral whorls are considered reproductive organs?
25. When is a flower termed bisexual?
26. What is an actinomorphic flower?
27. What is a zygomorphic flower?
28. What is a bract?
29. Define a hypogynous flower.
30. What is the position of the ovary in a hypogynous flower?
31. Define a perigynous flower.
32. What is the position of the ovary in a perigynous flower?
33. Define an epigynous flower.
34. What is the position of the ovary in an epigynous flower?
35. What are sepals, and what is their general function?
36. What are petals, and what is their general function?
37. What is aestivation?
38. Name the four main types of aestivation.
39. What is androecium composed of?
40. What are the two main parts of a stamen?
41. Where are pollen grains produced?
42. What is a sterile stamen called?
43. What is gynoecium composed of?
 44. Name the three parts of a carpel.
45. What is the receptive surface for pollen grains in a flower?
46. What develops from ovules after fertilization?
47. What develops from the ovary after fertilization?
48. What is placentation?
49. Name any two types of placentation.
50. In which type of placentation are ovules borne on a ridge along the ventral suture?

Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 Marks Each)

1. Differentiate between a tap root system and a fibrous root system with examples.
2. Describe the three main regions of the root with respect to their cellular activities.
3. List four main functions of the root system.
4. How can you distinguish a stem from a root?
5. Explain the functions of the stem in flowering plants.
6. Describe the structure of a typical leaf, mentioning its main parts.
7. Explain the difference between reticulate and parallel venation, giving examples.
8. Differentiate between a simple and a compound leaf.
9. Describe pinnately compound and palmately compound leaves with examples.
10. Explain the three types of phyllotaxy with suitable examples for each.
11. Differentiate between racemose and cymose inflorescence.
12. Describe the symmetry of flowers, distinguishing between actinomorphic and
zygomorphic, with examples.
13. Explain the terms trimerous, tetramerous, and pentamerous with respect to flowers.
14. Distinguish between bracteate and ebracteate flowers.
15. Describe the different positions of the ovary based on the relative position of other
floral parts (hypogynous, perigynous, epigynous).
16. Describe the structure and function of the calyx and corolla.
17. Explain valvate and twisted aestivation with examples.
18. Explain imbricate and vexillary aestivation with examples.
19. Describe the structure of a stamen and its role in reproduction.
20. Differentiate between polyandrous, monoadelphous, diadelphous, and polyadelphous
stamens.
21. Describe the structure of a carpel and its parts.
22. Differentiate between apocarpous and syncarpous gynoecium.
23. Explain marginal placentation with an example.
24. Explain axile placentation with an example.
25. Explain parietal placentation with an example.

Long Answer Type Questions (5 Marks Each)

1. Describe the different types of root systems found in flowering plants, providing
examples and their primary functions.
2. Elaborate on the different regions of the root, explaining the cellular characteristics
and functions of each region.
3. Describe the various modifications of stems for different functions such as storage,
support, protection, and vegetative propagation.
4. Explain the different types of venation and leaf types (simple and compound) found in
angiosperms, providing suitable diagrams or detailed descriptions.
5. Discuss the different patterns of phyllotaxy and their significance in plant
development and light absorption.
6. Describe the different types of inflorescence, elaborating on their characteristics and
the arrangement of flowers.
7. Describe a typical flower with its four whorls, explaining the function of each whorl
and the terms associated with their fusion or freeness (e.g., gamosepalous,
polypetalous).
8. Explain the different types of aestivation, providing detailed descriptions and
examples for each.
9. Describe the structure of the male and female reproductive parts of a flower
(androecium and gynoecium), detailing their components and functions in sexual
reproduction.
10. Elaborate on the various types of placentation found in flowering plants, explaining
the arrangement of ovules within the ovary with suitable examples.
Here are 10 MCQs from the provided content, including statement-based, assertion-
reasoning, and match-the-following types:

1. Statement-Based MCQ

Consider the following statements regarding the root system: I. In monocotyledonous plants,
the primary root is long-lived and forms the tap root system. II. Adventitious roots arise from
parts of the plant other than the radicle. III. One of the main functions of the root system is
the absorption of water and minerals.

Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) I and II only B) II and III only C) I and III
only D) I, II, and III

2. Assertion-Reasoning MCQ

Assertion (A): The region of meristematic activity in the root is located a few millimeters
above the root cap. Reason (R): Cells in this region are very small, thin-walled, and divide
repeatedly, contributing to the growth of the root.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. B) Both A and R are true,
but R is not the correct explanation of A. C) A is true, but R is false. D) A is false, but R is
true.

3. Match the Following MCQ

Match the following types of venation with their characteristic features:

Column I (Venation Type) Column II (Characteristic Feature)

a) Reticulate 1. Veins run parallel to each other
b) Parallel 2. Veinlets form a network
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A) a-1, b-2 B) a-2, b-1 C) a-1, b-1 D) a-2, b-2

4. Statement-Based MCQ

Which of the following statements about leaves is correct? A) Leaves originate from root
apical meristems. B) In monocotyledons, the leaf base often becomes swollen, called the
pulvinus. C) A bud is present in the axil of leaflets of a compound leaf. D) Long, thin,
flexible petioles help in cooling the leaf and bringing fresh air to its surface.

5. Assertion-Reasoning MCQ

Assertion (A): In cymose type of inflorescence, the main axis terminates in a flower, limiting
its growth. Reason (R): Flowers in cymose inflorescence are borne in an acropetal order.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. B) Both A and R are true,
but R is not the correct explanation of A. C) A is true, but R is false. D) A is false, but R is
true.
6. Match the Following MCQ

Match the following types of aestivation with their descriptions:

Column I (Aestivation
Column II (Description)
Type)
a) Valvate 1. Margins overlap in a particular direction
b) Twisted 2. Margins just touch without overlapping
3. One petal (standard) overlaps two (wings), which overlap two
c) Imbricate
(keel)
d) Vexillary 4. Margins overlap but not in any particular direction
Export to Sheets

A) a-2, b-1, c-4, d-3 B) a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4 C) a-4, b-3, c-2, d-1 D) a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2

7. Statement-Based MCQ

Consider the following statements regarding flower parts: I. Calyx and corolla are
reproductive organs. II. A flower having only stamens is bisexual. III. Perianth is the term
used when calyx and corolla are not distinct.

Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) I only B) III only C) I and II only D) II and
III only

8. Assertion-Reasoning MCQ

Assertion (A): In hypogynous flowers, the ovary is said to be superior. Reason (R): In
hypogynous flowers, the gynoecium occupies the highest position, while other parts are
situated below it.

A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. B) Both A and R are true,
but R is not the correct explanation of A. C) A is true, but R is false. D) A is false, but R is
true.

9. Match the Following MCQ

Match the type of stamen arrangement with the plant example:

Column I (Stamen Arrangement) Column II (Plant Example)

a) Monoadelphous 1. Pea
b) Diadelphous 2. China rose
c) Polyadelphous 3. Citrus
Export to Sheets

A) a-1, b-2, c-3 B) a-2, b-1, c-3 C) a-3, b-1, c-2 D) a-2, b-3, c-1

10. Statement-Based MCQ

Which of the following statements about placentation is correct? A) In marginal placentation,
the ovules are attached to a central axis with septa. B) In axile placentation, the ovary is
typically one-chambered. C) In basal placentation, a single ovule is attached to the base of the
ovary. D) Free central placentation is characterized by ovules developing on the inner wall of
the ovary or on the peripheral part.

Answer Key:

1. B
2. A
3. B
4. D
5. C
6. A
7. B
8. A
9. B
10. C
Case Study 1: The Mysterious Plant in the Garden

A botanist discovers an unknown plant growing in a garden. Upon careful observation, she
notes that the plant has a deeply penetrating root system with a prominent central root from
which smaller, thinner roots branch out. The leaves of this plant have a network of
interconnected veins. The flowers are brightly colored and arranged in such a way that the
main floral axis continues to grow, and new flowers are produced laterally in an increasing
order of age towards the apex.

Questions:

1. Based on the description of the root system, which type of root system is this plant
likely to possess? Justify your answer.
2. What kind of venation would you expect to find in the leaves of this plant?
3. Identify the type of inflorescence described in the passage.
4. Given the characteristics of its root and leaf venation, into which major group of
angiosperms (monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous) would you classify this plant?
5. If the botanist observes that the petals of the flowers just touch one another at the
margin without overlapping, what type of aestivation would that be?

Case Study 2: Exploring Floral Diversity

A group of students is tasked with examining different flowers. They observe three distinct
flowers:

 Flower A: Can be divided into two equal halves only in one particular vertical plane.
Its ovary is situated in the center, and other parts of the flower are located on the rim
of the thalamus almost at the same level.
 Flower B: Can be divided into two equal radial halves in any radial plane passing
through the center. Its gynoecium occupies the highest position, while the other parts
are situated below it.
 Flower C: Has its margin of thalamus growing upward, completely enclosing the
ovary and fusing with it. The other parts of the flower arise above the ovary.

Questions:

1. What type of symmetry does Flower A exhibit?

2. What is the position of the ovary in Flower A?
3. Identify the type of flower based on ovary position for Flower B.
4. If Flower B has petals that overlap one another but not in any particular direction,
what type of aestivation is it exhibiting?
5. What is the position of the ovary in Flower C, and provide an example of a plant that
typically shows this ovary position.

Case Study 3: The Specialized Stem

A farmer notices that some of his plants have unusual stems that are performing functions
beyond just supporting leaves and conducting water. In one plant, the stem is modified to
store a significant amount of food, appearing swollen and fleshy. In another plant, the stem
has developed sharp, pointed structures that offer protection from grazing animals. A third
plant has a long, slender stem that coils around nearby objects, helping the plant climb.

Questions:

1. What are the two general functions of a typical stem as mentioned in the introductory
text?
2. Identify the three specific modified functions of the stem described in the case study.
3. Name the type of stem modification that helps a plant climb.
4. Besides the functions mentioned in the case, list two other specialized functions that
stems can perform.
5. If a young stem is generally green, what does this indicate about its ability to perform
a specific biological process?

Case Study 4: The Root's Journey Through Soil

Imagine a root tip growing through the soil. As it pushes forward, it encounters resistance.
The very tip of the root is protected by a specialized structure. Just above this protective
layer, there's a bustling region where cells are rapidly dividing. Further up, these newly
formed cells begin to increase significantly in size, making the root longer. Finally, even
further back, these enlarged cells begin to specialize and mature, with some outer cells
forming fine, delicate extensions crucial for absorption.

Questions:

1. Name the protective structure found at the apex of the root. What is its function?
2. Identify the region of the root where cells are rapidly dividing.
3. Which region of the root is responsible for the increase in the root's length?
4. What are the "fine, delicate extensions" formed by epidermal cells in the region of
maturation called, and what is their primary role?
5. If the root cap were damaged, what immediate consequence would it have on the
root's ability to grow through the soil?

Case Study 5: The Reproductive Unit – From Carpel to Fruit

A botanist is studying the reproductive structures of a flowering plant. She observes that the
female reproductive part is composed of several separate units. Each unit has an enlarged
basal part containing ovules, an elongated tube connecting it to the tip, and a sticky surface at
the very end. After successful pollination and fertilization, she notes that the ovules develop
into seeds, and the enlarged basal part of each female reproductive unit transforms into a
fleshy structure containing the seeds.

Questions:
1. What is the collective term for the female reproductive part of a flower?
2. Name the three parts of a single carpel, based on the description.
3. What is the specific term used when more than one carpel is present, and they are free
from each other?
4. What happens to the ovules after fertilization?
5. What does the enlarged basal part of the carpel (the ovary) mature into after
fertilization?