Biological Science (6th Edition)
Biological Science (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN: 9780321976499
Author: Scott Freeman, Kim Quillin, Lizabeth Allison, Michael Black, Emily Taylor, Greg Podgorski, Jeff Carmichael
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 28, Problem 1TYK

What important role does lignin play in vascular plants?

a. It is the major component of the cuticle, which prevents plants from drying out.

b. It forms the outer layer of pollen grains.

c. It forms the tough, rigid cell walls of water-conducting cells.

d. It nourishes the embryo in seed plants.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The lignin is the polymer made of the monomers of monolignol. The polymers of the lignin are filled in the voids in the cell walls. The xylem is the tissue, which performs the function of the conduction of the water and dissolved minerals in the plant.

Answer to Problem 1TYK

Correct answer:

It makes rigid and tough cell walls of water-conducting cells.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given as forming of rigid and tough cells walls for water-conducting cells. The lignin is present in the xylem tissues. The hemicellulose is linked with the lignin by the covalent bonding to provide the strength to the vascular cell wall, which further provides strength to the vascular plants. Therefore, the lignin forms the rigid and tough cell walls of the vascular cells. Hence, the Option (c) is correct.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (a) is given as a major component of the cuticle, which plays a role in preventing drying out of a plant. The plant organs, such as leaves and young shoots are covered with the thin layer of a waxy substance called the cuticle. The cuticle is composed of the cutin, which is hydrophobic in nature. The cutin is present instead of lignin in the cuticle. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (b) is given as forming the outer layer of pollen grains. The outer layer of the pollen grain is called exine. The exine is made up of the substance sporopollenin. The sporopollenin is the chemically inert substance found in the pollen grain. The lignin is not present in the outer layer of the pollen grains. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (d) is given as nourishment of embryo in the seed plants. The embryo is the developing tissue inside the seed of the plant. The embryo requires the nutrients for the further development. The necessary nutrients are provided by the endosperm. The main constituent of the endosperm is the starch. The endosperm surrounds the developing embryo. Therefore, the lignin does not provide the nourishment to the embryo cells.

Hence, the options (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Lignin is responsible for providing strength to the plant by forming the tough and rigid cell wall. The cuticle is present on the surface of leaves and shoots that prevent drying out of a plant. Exine forms the outer layer of pollen grains and endosperm provide nourishment to the developing embryo.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
Luke recently moved to a new apartment and wants to grow houseplants but isn't sure which room will be the best fit for them. Apply your knowledge of the scientific method to recommend a strategy for Luke to follow when determining the ideal location for houseplants in his new apartment.
A farmer has noticed that his soybean plants produce more beans in some years than others. He claims to always apply the same amount of fertilizer to the plants, but he suspects the difference in crop yield may have something to do with the amount of water the crops receive. The farmer has observed that the soybeans on his farm usually receive between 0 to 0.5 inches of water per day, but he is unsure of the optimal average daily amount of water with which to irrigate. 1. State a question that addresses the farmer’s problem 2. Conduct online research on “soybean crop irrigation" and record a brief summary of the findings  3. Construct a testable hypothesis and record i 4. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis and describe the procedures, variables, and data to be collected  5. What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment? What would the control groups be for each of your designed experiments in this exercise? 6. Describe the data that would be recorded in each of the…
A farmer has noticed that his soybean plants produce more beans in some years than others. He claims to always apply the same amount of fertilizer to the plants, but he suspects the difference in crop yield may have something to do with the amount of water the crops receive. The farmer has observed that the soybeans on his farm usually receive between 0 to 0.5 inches of water per day, but he is unsure of the optimal average daily amount of water with which to irrigate. 1. State a question that addresses the farmer’s problem 2. Conduct online research on “soybean crop irrigation" and record a brief summary of the findings  3. Construct a testable hypothesis and record i 4. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis and describe the procedures, variables, and data to be collected
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:CENGAGE L
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Aquaculture Science
Biology
ISBN:9781133558347
Author:Parker
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...
Biology
ISBN:9781305117396
Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
DIVERSITY IN PLANTS; Author: 7activestudio;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJrks56FQIY;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY
Biology- Plant Kingdom - Diversity in Living Organisms - Part 4 - English - English; Author: Bodhaguru;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFgQ74EvfDQ;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY