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Root Modifications in Plants Trivia Quiz

A quiz on how roots are modified in various ways for a range of functions in plants.

A multiple-choice quiz by joe_zax. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
joe_zax

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
289,062

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
1530

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What is a common function of modified roots? Hint

The storage of food.

Photosynthesis.

Help plants walk.

Gaseous exchange.

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Question 2 of 10

2. Raphanus sativus is a common salad vegetable. It belongs to the same family as turnip and mustard. Its roots are spindle shaped (fusiform). What is it commonly called? Hint

Avocado.

Asparagus.

Cultivated radish.

George Bush.

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Question 3 of 10

3. Potato tubers are an example of modified plant roots.

True

False

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Question 4 of 10

4. This type of modified root is seen in asparagus. A cluster of swollen storage roots arise from the basal node of the stem. Hint

Napiform roots.

Assimilatory roots.

Cheroot.

Fasciculated roots.

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Question 5 of 10

5. Pneumatophores are a kind of modified root seen in mangroves and other plants seen in swampy environments. The main function of pneumatophores is: Hint

No particular function.

Gaseous exchange.

Photosynthesis.

Storage of food.

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Question 6 of 10

6. This root is conical in shape. It belongs to the genus daucus and is rich in a pigment called beta-carotene. (Hint: "What's up, daucus?!") Hint

Turnip.

Carrot.

Horse radish.

Cassava.

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Question 7 of 10

7. Tapioca has tuberous roots arranged in bundles called fascicles. What is tapioca also known as? Hint

Cassava.

Arrowroot.

Yam.

Oca.

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Question 8 of 10

8. Beta vulgaris is: Hint

Not a nice thing to say to your latin teacher.

Another name for sugar beet.

A kind of stilt root.

A xerophyte.

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Question 9 of 10

9. Assimilatory roots are photosynthetic in function.

True

False

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is *not* a kind of modified root? Hint

Phylloclade.

Brace root.

Fascicles.

Stilt root.

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What is a common function of modified roots?

Answer: The storage of food.

'Food' in this case refers to carbohydrates (like starch) synthesized during photosynthesis.

2. Raphanus sativus is a common salad vegetable. It belongs to the same family as turnip and mustard. Its roots are spindle shaped (fusiform). What is it commonly called?

Answer: Cultivated radish.

Cultivated radish is a good source of vitamins B and C, and minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium.

3. Potato tubers are an example of modified plant roots.

Answer: False

The edible part of potato is actually an underground stem (stem tuber). Close examination of a potato reveals tiny green leaves, nodes, axillary buds etc. All these are characteristic features of a stem.

4. This type of modified root is seen in asparagus. A cluster of swollen storage roots arise from the basal node of the stem.

Answer: Fasciculated roots.

The word fasciculated comes from the latin 'fasciculus' or 'fascis' meaning 'bundle'.

5. Pneumatophores are a kind of modified root seen in mangroves and other plants seen in swampy environments. The main function of pneumatophores is:

Answer: Gaseous exchange.

Pneumatophores are also called 'air roots' or 'breathing roots'. They help the roots of certain plants seen in swamps gather oxygen. They are negatively geotrophic i.e. they grow vertically upward, against gravity. Swamp water and soil typically have high levels of organic content and very low oxygen content.

6. This root is conical in shape. It belongs to the genus daucus and is rich in a pigment called beta-carotene. (Hint: "What's up, daucus?!")

Answer: Carrot.

Interestingly, carrots were initially cultivated not for their roots, but for their aromatic leaves and seeds. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is metabolised to vitamin A in humans. However excessive consumption can cause serious liver damage.

7. Tapioca has tuberous roots arranged in bundles called fascicles. What is tapioca also known as?

Answer: Cassava.

Tapioca starch is used widely as a thickener in a range of culinary preparations.

8. Beta vulgaris is:

Answer: Another name for sugar beet.

The useful part is the swollen 'napiform' root. Sugar beet is widely cultivated across Europe and the Americas for its high sucrose content. In tropical countries like Cuba and India, however, sugarcane is the main source of commercial sucrose.

9. Assimilatory roots are photosynthetic in function.

Answer: True

These are modified adventitious roots. They are aerial, long, slender and green. They contain the pigment chlorophyll which help them carry out photosynthesis.

10. What is *not* a kind of modified root?

Answer: Phylloclade.

Phylloclades (or cladophylls) are in fact an aerial stem modification. The stem is modified into a flattened, succulent structure, bearing spines that are actually highly reduced leaves. They are seen in cacti and other xerophytes.

Source: Author joe_zax

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
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