Question

Assimilatory (Photosynthetic) roots are a characteristic of

• A. Trapa and Tinospora
• B. Taeniophyllum and Podostermon
• C. Both correct
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Both correct

The correct option is C.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Assimilatory roots are modified adventitious roots that turn green and carry out photosynthesis.
2. Ex: Tinospora cordifolia, Trapa, Taeniophyllum.
3. In Trapa (water chestnut), the green assimilatory roots are submerged like other roots. They develop from the stem nodes and are highly branched to increase photosynthesis.
4. Tinospora possesses aerial climbing photosynthetic roots.
5. The roots of epiphytes like Taeniophyllum are flat, green velamen-like ribbons.
6. The genus Podostemum belongs to the Podostemaceae plant family that comprise aquatic plant which cling to rocks with green, fleshy and flattened, spreading finger-like roots to provide anchorage.

Final answer: Assimilatory (photosynthetic) roots are a characteristic of Tinospora, Trapa, Podostermon, and Teniophyllum.