Question

In desert plants, the rate of water loss gets reduced due to the presence of

• A. Cuticle
• B. Stomata
• C. Lignin
• D. Suberin

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Cuticle

The correct option is A.

Explanation of the correct option:

Option A:

1. Cuticle is a waxy substance secreted by arid plants to reduce water loss via transpiration through stomata.
2. Cuticle coats the leaves to reduce water loss and protect the plant from the pathogen.
3. It acts as a diffusion barrier and also protects the plant from chemical and mechanical damage.
4. It is secreted by the epidermal cells of the plant leaves.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option B:

1. Stomata is the aperture formed by guard cells.
2. They control the rate of water loss during transpiration.
3. Stomatal aperture also assists in the gaseous exchange.
4. It is also present in the epidermis of plant leaves.

Option C:

1. Lignin is a phenolic complex polymer found in the cell walls of plants.
2. It hardens the cell wall.
3. It provides flexibility to the plant cell.
4. It helps to protect the plant against turgor pressure.

Option D:

1. Suberin is a chemical present in the cork cells (dead cells with intercellular spaces) of plants.
2. It makes the plant impermeable to moisture.

Final answer: In desert plants, the rate of water loss gets reduced due to the presence of cuticles.