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Question #46793
The Question
The structural adaptation of bulliform cells in the leaves of grasses during water stress shares a convergent physical logic with Allen’s Rule in mammals. Which of the following accurately identifies this shared physical principle and the precise physiological mechanism in the plant?
Options
- A.
Both rely on minimizing the exposed surface area to conserve a critical resource; in grasses, evaporative demand exceeding root water absorption lowers leaf water potential, causing adaxial bulliform cells to become flaccid and roll the leaf inwards.
- B.
Both rely on maximizing the surface area-to-volume ratio to dissipate excess energy; in grasses, high water potential causes abaxial bulliform cells to lose turgor, curling the leaf to protect stomata.
- C.
Both rely on minimizing the surface area exposed to the environment; in grasses, this is an active process requiring ATP to pump water out of adaxial bulliform cells when soil water potential is high.
- D.
Both rely on structural reduction of extremities; in grasses, a drop in solute potential within the bulliform cells induces endosmosis, making them turgid and causing the leaf to curl inwards to prevent hydraulic failure.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Bulliform Cells|Allen’s Rule|Root Region Differentiation
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse the state of turgor required for leaf rolling (flaccid = rolled/curled, turgid = exposed/unrolled) and the exact epidermal location (adaxial vs abaxial).
Furthermore, linking plant anatomy (bulliform cells) to ecology (Allen's Rule) tests the higher-order ability to recognize universal physical principles (Surface Area minimization) operating across different biological kingdoms to maintain homeostasis.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Anatomy of Flowering Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Bulliform Cell Function |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |