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Multiple Choice
One important difference between the anatomy of roots and the anatomy of leaves is that:
A
leaves have a thicker cuticle than roots
B
leaves store starch, while roots do not
C
roots lack chloroplasts, while leaves contain many chloroplasts
D
roots have stomata, while leaves do not
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the primary functions of roots and leaves in plants. Roots are primarily responsible for anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil, while leaves are specialized for photosynthesis, which involves capturing light energy to produce food.
Step 2: Recognize the structural differences between roots and leaves. Leaves contain chloroplasts, which are organelles that house chlorophyll and are essential for photosynthesis. Roots, on the other hand, do not perform photosynthesis and therefore lack chloroplasts.
Step 3: Consider the presence of stomata. Stomata are small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange (CO2 in, O2 out) during photosynthesis. Roots do not have stomata because they are not involved in gas exchange.
Step 4: Evaluate the cuticle layer. Leaves have a thicker cuticle compared to roots because the cuticle helps prevent water loss, which is critical for leaves exposed to air. Roots are typically underground and do not require a thick cuticle.
Step 5: Address the storage of starch. Both roots and leaves can store starch, but this is not a defining difference between their anatomy. The key distinction is that roots lack chloroplasts, while leaves contain many chloroplasts, enabling photosynthesis.