Question

An obligate root parasite among the following is

• A. Viscum
• B. Striga
• C. Loranthus
• D. Rafflesia

Answer 1

The correct option is D Rafflesia

An obligate parasite, or holoparasite, is a parasitic organism that cannot complete its life-cycle without exploiting a suitable host. If an obligate parasite cannot obtain a host it will fail to reproduce. Obligate parasitism is exhibited in a range of organisms, with examples in viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. They are unable to complete their development without passing through at least one parasitic stage which is necessary to their life-cycle. Holoparasites are also known as obligate because of their obligation to find a host in order to survive. Plants usually considered holoparasites include broomrape, dodder, Rafflesia, and the Hydnoraceae.

So, the correct answer is option D.