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Question #46797
The Question
A researcher treats a herbaceous dicot plant with a specific chemical inhibitor that completely blocks the synthesis and deposition of suberin in the root tissues. Which of the following physiological consequences will be the most direct result of this treatment?
Options
- A.
The plant will exhibit excessive guttation at night due to the unrestricted apoplastic flow of water into the stele.
- B.
The endodermis will lose its function as a biological control point, resulting in the dissipation of root pressure and unregulated solute entry into the xylem.
- C.
Water movement from the root epidermis to the xylem parenchyma will become exclusively symplastic to prevent the entry of toxic soil ions.
- D.
The active transport of mineral ions into the pericycle will significantly increase to compensate for the loss of the Casparian strip.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Endodermis|Water_Potential|Stele_Definition
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize that the Casparian strip 'blocks water', but fail to synthesize its dual physiological role: acting as a selective checkpoint for solutes and maintaining the hydraulic isolation of the stele.
The common misconception (Option A) is assuming that removing a barrier will increase water flow and thus increase root pressure/guttation, ignoring the fact that root pressure is an osmotic phenomenon strictly dependent on a sealed stele preventing ion back-leakage.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Anatomy of Flowering Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Casparian Strip Chemistry |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |