Question

Wilting of plants occur when

• A. Phloem is blocked
• B. Xylem is blocked
• C. Both Xylem and Phloem are blocked
• D. A few old roots are removed.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Xylem is blocked

The correct option is (b)

The explanation for the correct option:

• When the soft and non-woody parts of plants like leaves, branches, etc. lose rigidity and as a result of that start folding, rolling, and drying out, the process is called wilting.
• It happens because of insufficient water supply in plants.
• Since, the Xylem functions in the transportation of water and minerals in plants, therefore, any blockage in the xylem would also block the passage of water and cause wilting in plants.

The explanation for the incorrect option:

Option A:

Since wilting is caused due in inadequate water supply and phloem is responsible for transportation of food in plants, its blockage would not cause wilting.

Option C:

If both water and food supply are blocked in a plant it would ultimately result in the death of the plant.

Option D:

Removal of roots won’t affect the plant much as the remaining roots can still draw water and nutrients.

Final answer:

Blocking of xylem in a plant causes wilting.