Question

Cuscuta is a:

• A. Partial stem parasite
• B. Epiphyte
• C. Total stem parasite
• D. Total root parasite

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Total stem parasite

The correct option is C.

Explanation of correct option:

1. Cuscuta is a stem parasite that wraps around the host plants and remains attached to them.
2. It has no roots and wraps around the total host body.
3. It remains attached to the host body until it dies.
4. Generally, the vegetative part of Cuscuta is its stem.
5. Hence, it is a total stem parasite.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Partial stem parasites only absorb water and minerals from the host but not the food.
2. Cuscuta absorbs food from the host body.
3. They also absorb essential nutrients from the host and weaken them.
4. So Cuscuta is not a partial stem parasite.

Option B:

1. Epiphytes grow on another plant but they do not have any parasitic relation with the supporting plants.
2. Epiphytic plants need physical support from other plants, not any nutritional support.
3. Cuscuta not only grows on another plant but also absorbs food and minerals from it.
4. It is not an example of an epiphyte, it is a total stem parasite.

Option D:

1. Total root parasites attach to the roots of host plants.
2. They derive all of their nutrition from them.
3. But Cuscuta attaches to the stem part of the host body.
4. So Cuscuta is not a total root parasite.

Final answer: Cuscuta is a total stem parasite.