Question

Match Column-I with Column-II and select the correct option from the codes given below:

Column-I	Column-II
A. Thorns	I. Vegetative propagation
B. Phylloclades	II. Defensive mechanism
C. Runners	III. Mechanical support
D. Stilt roots	IV. Absorption of nutrition
E. Haustoria	V. Photosynthesis

• A. A-I; B-IV; C-III; D-II; E-I
• B. A-II; B-V; C-III; D-I; E-IV
• C. A-II; B-V; C-I; D-III; E-IV
• D. A-III; B-V; C-IV; D-I; E-II

Answer 1

The correct option is C A-II; B-V; C-I; D-III; E-IV

Throns are the woody, straight and pointed structures developed from axillary buds. These structures are used as a defensive mechanism to protect the plants from herbivores. Example: Citrus.

In some plants such as Cactuses, the stem is flattened and green and carries out the function of the leaf. Such a stem, adapted for the manufacture of food is called phylloclade. The leaves here are reduced or modified into spines to lessen the transpiring surface. Example: Opuntia.

A runner is the stem portion of the plant that tends to grow horizontally as opposed to upright like the main stem. The end tip of the runner can produce buds that develop into new plants that are clones. Example: Oxalis.

Stilt roots are the adventitious roots which arise in clusters from the basal nodes of the stem just above the ground for mechanical support. Example: maize.

Haustoria are the projections from the root of parasitic plant which enables it to penetrate the tissues of its host and absorb nutrients from it. Example: mistletoes.