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Chapter 7

Respiration in Plants

Class 9 - Concise Biology Selina



Progress Check 1

Question 1

Write the important aspects about the overall chemical equation of respiration, pertaining to the following :

  1. Number of steps for glucose to break down into CO2 and H2O.
  2. Involvement of enzymes.
  3. Forms of energy liberated.

Answer

  1. The breakdown of glucose to carbon dioxide and water does not occur in a single step, but in a series of chemical steps. These steps occur in two major phases — (i) glycolysis (glucose → pyruvate) occurring in cytoplasm and (ii) Krebs cycle (pyruvate → CO2 + 6H2O + ATP) occurring in mitochondria.
  2. Each breakdown step occurs due to a particular enzyme.
  3. The energy liberated in the breakdown of glucose molecule is not all in the form of heat, but a large part of it is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP.

Question 2

List three ways in which respiration is different from burning.

Answer

RespirationBurning
Cellular process.Non-cellular process.
Occurs in a series of chemical steps.Occurs in a single step.
No light energy is produced.Light energy is produced.

Question 3

Name the three inlets of oxygen for respiration in plants.

Answer

The three inlets of oxygen for respiration in plants are:

  1. Stomata in leaves.
  2. Lenticels in stem.
  3. General surface of the roots.

Progress Check 2

Question 1

Give the overall chemical equation for the two kinds of respiration in plants :

  1. Aerobic
  2. Anaerobic

Answer

  1. Aerobic respiration
    C6H12O6 + 6O2 enzyme\xrightarrow{\text{enzyme}} 6CO2 + 6H2O + 38ATP

  2. Anaerobic respiration
    C6H12O6 ⟶ 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 + 2ATP

Question 2

Mention any one difference other than those reflected in the two chemical equations given above.

Answer

Aerobic respiration is the primary and the most efficient way for plants to generate energy. On the other hand, anaerobic respiration is a backup mechanism for plants when oxygen is limited and occurs temporarily for short periods.

Question 3

Certain organisms respire only anaerobically throughout their lives. Name any two such organisms.

Answer

Bacteria and fungi.

Progress Check 3

Question 1

In experiments on respiration, the seeds taken as control are boiled. Why?

Answer

In experiments on respiration, the seeds taken as control are boiled to kill them. It is done in order to compare the live seeds that can respire to dead seeds that cannot respire.

Question 2

What is the use of the following, in the experiments on respiration?

  1. Soda lime
  2. Limewater

Answer

  1. Soda lime is used to absorb any carbon dioxide released by the seeds.
  2. Limewater is used to test for the presence of carbon dioxide as carbon dioxide turns limewater milky.

Question 3

Suppose we conduct an experiment to demonstrate respiration in a green plant. What special precaution is required to be taken in it?

Answer

It is necessary that this experiment is carried out in dark in order to stop the process of photosynthesis so that the carbon dioxide liberated in respiration is not used up for photosynthesis.

Question 4

In experiment no. 5, we are using mercury in the test tube and the beaker. Why can't we use water instead?

Answer

We cannot use water because it contains dissolved gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Progress Check 4

Question 1

Fill in the blanks:

In anaerobic respiration in plants, the end product is ............... and ............... instead of ............... in animals.

Answer

In anaerobic respiration in plants, the end product is ethanol and carbon dioxide instead of lactic acid in animals.

Question 2

The table below is intended to give certain differences between photosynthesis and respiration, but a few points are given wrongly. Strike out the wrong ones and write the correct words instead.

PHOTOSYNTHESISRESPIRATION
Results in loss in weightResults in gain in weight
Sucrose is the productSucrose is broken down
Occurs in green cells onlyOccurs in all cells
Uses water and oxygenUses glucose and oxygen

Answer

PHOTOSYNTHESISRESPIRATION
Results in gain in weightResults in loss in weight
Glucose is the productGlucose is broken down
Occurs in green cells onlyOccurs in all cells
Uses water and carbon dioxideUses glucose and oxygen

Multiple Choice Type

Question 1(i)

Glycolysis is a process

  1. in which glycogen is broken down into glucose
  2. which occurs in mitochondria
  3. in which glucose is broken down into pyruvate
  4. that occurs next to Krebs cycle.

Answer

in which glucose is broken down into pyruvate

Reason — Glycolysis is the first phase of respiration in which glucose is broken down into pyruvate.
Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell, not in mitochondria. The mitochondria are involved later in respiration. In this process, one molecule of glucose is converted into two molecules of pyruvate, releasing energy. Glycolysis occurs before the Krebs cycle, not “next to” it. It happens in the cytoplasm, while the Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondria.

Question 1(ii)

In plants, a common function is performed by?

  1. Stomata and veins
  2. Stomata and lenticels
  3. Lenticels and sepals
  4. Lenticels and hydathodes

Answer

Stomata and lenticels

Reason — Stomata are tiny pores present on the surface of leaves and lenticels are present on stems.
Stomata help in gaseous exchange and transpiration. Veins transport water, minerals, and food. Lenticels help in gaseous exchange and sepals protect the flower bud.
Hydathodes are responsible for guttation.

Question 1(iii)

Anaerobic respiration normally occurs in

  1. Grass
  2. Cactus
  3. Coconut
  4. Baker’s yeast

Answer

Baker’s yeast

Reason — Anaerobic respiration normally occurs in fungi.
Grass performs aerobic respiration under normal conditions. Cactus also carries out aerobic respiration. It is adapted to dry conditions (CAM photosynthesis), but respiration still requires oxygen. Coconut plants respire aerobically like most plants under normal conditions.

Question 1(iv)

On oxidation of 1 molecule of glucose, .............. ATP is produced through aerobic respiration.

  1. 2
  2. 20
  3. 18
  4. 38

Answer

38

Reason — Oxidation of 1 molecule of glucose gives 38 ATP.

Question 1(v)

Respiration in plants occurs

  1. Only in stomata
  2. Only in leaves
  3. Only in lenticels
  4. In all the parts

Answer

In all the parts

Reason — Leaves respire through stomata, stems respire through lenticel and roots respire through their general surface.
Stomata are structures for gas exchange, not the site of respiration. Respiration occurs inside cells, not in stomata. Leaves do respire, but respiration is not limited to leaves. All living parts of the plant need energy. Lenticels also help in gas exchange in woody stems, but respiration does not occur only there.

Question 1(vi)

Which of the following is produced during anaerobic respiration in plants?

  1. Soda lime
  2. Ethyl alcohol
  3. Lime water
  4. None of these

Answer

Ethyl alcohol

Reason — Anaerobic respiration in plants leads to the formation of ethyl alcohol.
Soda lime is a chemical mixture used to absorb carbon dioxide in experiments. It is not a product of respiration. Limewater is a solution of calcium hydroxide used to test for carbon dioxide. It is not a product of respiration.

Question 1(vii)

Glycolysis takes place in :

  1. Chloroplast
  2. Mitochondria
  3. Cytoplasm
  4. Ribosomes

Answer

Cytoplasm

Reason — Glycolysis takes place in cytoplasm whereas Krebs cycle takes place in mitochondria.
Chloroplasts are involved in photosynthesis, not glycolysis. Mitochondria are the site of the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain, which occur after glycolysis. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Question 1(viii)

Lime water turns milky upon absorption of carbon dioxide gas due to the formation of:

  1. Calcium carbonate
  2. Sodium carbonate
  3. Calcium chloride
  4. Sodium chloride

Answer

Calcium carbonate

Reason — When carbon dioxide is passed through limewater (calcium hydroxide), it reacts to form calcium carbonate, a white precipitate that makes the solution turn milky.
Sodium carbonate is not formed in this reaction because limewater contains calcium, not sodium. Calcium chloride is formed in reactions involving hydrochloric acid, not carbon dioxide. Sodium chloride is unrelated to this reaction.

Question 1(ix)

Which of the following is the main substrate for any kind of respiration ?

  1. Starch
  2. Oxygen
  3. Glucose
  4. Sucrose

Answer

Glucose

Reason — Glucose is the simplest sugar. Any sugar first breaks to form glucose, which further breaks down to release energy.
Starch is a storage carbohydrate. It must first be broken down into glucose before it can be used in respiration. Oxygen is not a substrate; it is a reactant in aerobic respiration that helps release energy, but it is not the fuel. Sucrose is a sugar, but it must first be broken down into glucose and fructose before entering respiration.

Question 1(x)

Which of the following is a catabolic process ?

  1. Photosynthesis
  2. Respiration
  3. Both (a) and (b)
  4. None of these

Answer

Respiration

Reason — Respiration is a catabolic process because it breaks down glucose into simpler substances (carbon dioxide and water) and releases energy.
Photosynthesis is an anabolic process that leads to the formation of glucose while respiration (a catabolic process) leads to the breakdown of glucose molecules.

Question 1(xi)

The two major phases during the breakdown of glucose in respiration are (P) ............... and (Q) ............... .

  1. P — Glycogenesis, Q — Kreb's cycle
  2. P — Aerobic respiration, Q — Anaerobic respiration
  3. P — Anoxybiotic respiration, Q — Oxybiotic respiration
  4. P — Glycolysis, Q — Kreb's cycle

Answer

P — Glycolysis, Q — Kreb's cycle

Reason — In glycolysis glucose is broken down to form pyruvate and in Kreb's cycle it is completely oxidised to form CO2, ATP, and NADH.
Glycogenesis is the process of forming glycogen from glucose (storage), not a step of respiration. Aerobic respiration and Anaerobic respiration are two different types of respiration, not sequential processes. Anoxybiotic respiration and Oxybiotic respiration are older terminology for anaerobic and aerobic respiration.

Question 1(xii)

A biology teacher asked her students to give the end products of anaerobic respiration in plants/animals.

John said: Carbon dioxide and water.

Kabir said: Glucose and water vapour.

Sukhvinder said: Carbolic acid and lactic acid.

Aayush said: Lactic acid.

Who were correct?

  1. John and Kabir
  2. Kabir and Sukhvinder
  3. Sukhvinder and Aayush
  4. John and Aayush

Answer

Sukhvinder and Aayush

Reason — Anaerobic respiration is the breakdown of glucose in the absence of oxygen. The end products vary depending on the organism:

  • In plants and yeast:
    Glucose → Ethanol + Carbon dioxide + Energy
  • In animals (like humans during vigorous exercise):
    Glucose → Lactic acid + Energy

As Aayush said Lactic acid so his answer is correct. Sukhvinder said Carbolic acid and lactic acid. Carbolic acid is wrong, but lactic acid is correct for animals. So, Sukhvinder's answer is partially correct.

Very Short Answer Type

Question 1

Fill in the blanks:

  1. ............... are the openings found on older stems.

  2. Glycolysis occurs in the ............... of the cells.

  3. ............... is a respiratory substance.

  4. Rate of ............... is more than the rate of ............... in the daytime in the case of green plants.

  5. ............... is a chemical substance which absorbs oxygen of the air.

  6. ............... is used to create vacuum to show anaerobic respiration.

Answer

  1. Lenticels are the openings found on older stems.

  2. Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm of the cells.

  3. Glucose is a respiratory substance.

  4. Rate of Photosynthesis is more than the rate of Respiration in the daytime in the case of green plants.

  5. Pyrogallate of potash is a chemical substance which absorbs oxygen of the air.

  6. Caustic potash (KOH) is used to create vacuum to show anaerobic respiration.

Question 2

Name the following:

  1. Energy currency of cell.
  2. Oxidative breakdown of carbohydrates to release energy.
  3. An organism which respires throughout life anaerobically.
  4. A common phase in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
  5. A chemical which removes CO2 from the air.

Answer

  1. ATP (Adenosine triphosphate)
  2. Respiration
  3. Yeast
  4. Glycolysis
  5. Soda lime

Question 3

Do the plants respire all day and all night or only at night?

Answer

Respiration is an essential life process for all living organisms. Therefore, plants also respire all day and all night.

Question 4

Mention if the following statements are true or false. If false, rewrite them correctly.

  1. Aerobic respiration of one mole of glucose yields 138 ATP.
  2. Anaerobic respiration in plants yields lactic acid.
  3. Carbon dioxide readily dissolves in lime water.
  4. All leaves of a green plant normally respire anaerobically at night.

Answer

  1. False
    Corrected Statement — Aerobic respiration of one mole of glucose yields 38 ATP.

  2. False
    Corrected Statement — Anaerobic respiration in plants yields ethanol.

  3. True

  4. False
    Corrected Statement — All leaves of a green plant normally respire aerobically at night.

Short Answer Type

Question 1

Define

(a) Respiration

(b) Combustion

(c) ATP

Answer

(a) Respiration — Respiration is a catabolic process of releasing energy from glucose for carrying out life processes.

(b) Combustion — Combustion or burning is defined as a physio-chemical process in which energy is liberated in the form of heat and light.

(c) ATP — ATP is defined as energy currency of the cell as it acts as the immediate source of energy for different life processes.

Question 2

Name:

(a) Two raw materials of respiration.

(b) Two end products of aerobic respiration.

(c) Two microbes which normally respire anaerobically

Answer

(a) Glucose and Oxygen

(b) Carbon dioxide and water

(c) Bacteria and Fungi

Question 3

Write the full form of ATP and ADP.

Answer

Full form of ATP — Adenosine triphosphate

Full form of ADP — Adenosine diphosphate

Question 4

What happens to the energy liberated in respiration?

Answer

The energy liberated in respiration is stored in the form of ATP inside the cells. Some part of it is lost as heat to the surroundings.

Question 5

How is the tilling of the soil useful for the crops growing in it?

Answer

Tilling makes the soil porous and airy. The parts of the plant present below the ground receive adequate oxygen supply to respire. This way tilling facilitates faster crop growth.

Question 6

Why is it usually difficult to demonstrate respiration in green plants?

Answer

During daytime, both photosynthesis and respiration take place in green plants. Evolution of carbon dioxide is an indicator used to demonstrate respiration in living organisms. However, the carbon dioxide produced during respiration is used up during photosynthesis. Consequently, there is no visible evolution of carbon dioxide during daytime, making it difficult to demonstrate respiration in green plants.

Question 7

Can cell respiration occur in any organism at a temperature of about 65°C? Give reason.

Answer

Cell respiration cannot occur in any organism at a temperature of about 65°C because the enzymes involved in respiration become inactivated at high temperatures.

Long Answer Type

Question 1

Distinguish between the following pairs:

(a) Aerobic and anaerobic respiration

(b) Respiration and combustion

(c) Stomata and lenticels

(d) Photosynthesis and respiration

(e) Anaerobic respiration in plants and animals

Answer

(a) Difference between Aerobic and anaerobic respiration:

Aerobic respirationAnaerobic respiration
Proceeds in the presence of oxygen.Proceeds without using oxygen.
Complete breakdown of glucose.Incomplete breakdown of glucose.
End products are carbon dioxide and water.End-products are ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Energy liberated in large quantity (38 ATP) from one mole of glucose.Energy liberated in small quantity (2 ATP) from one mole of glucose.
Occurs normally throughout life.Occurs temporarily for short periods.

(b) Difference between Respiration and combustion:

RespirationCombustion
Cellular processNon-cellular process
Occurs at body temperatureOccurs at high temperature (at ignition point)
Occurs in a series of chemical stepsOccurs in a single step
Carried out by enzymesCarried out by heat
Biochemical processPhysico-chemical process
Energy released as ATP and heatEnergy released as heat and light
Light energy is not producedLight energy is produced

(c) Difference between Stomata and lenticels:

StomataLenticel
Stomata are present in leaves and green stems.Lenticels are present in mature stems, roots and fruits.
Stomata are active only during daytime.Lenticels are active both during day and night.
Stomata have guard cells and they can be opened and closed.Lenticels do not have guard cells, they are always open.

(d) Difference between Photosynthesis and respiration:

PhotosynthesisRespiration
Occurs only in the presence of chlorophyll.Occurs in all living cells.
Occurs only in presence of light.Occurs at all times.
Uses carbon dioxide and water.Uses oxygen and glucose.
Oxygen is released as an end product.End product is carbon dioxide.
Light energy is converted into chemical energy.Chemical energy is converted into useful energy (ATP) and heat.
Results in gain in weight.Results in loss in weight.
Anabolic process.Catabolic process.

(e) Difference between Anaerobic respiration in plants and animals:

Anaerobic respiration in plantsAnaerobic respiration in animals
It leads to formation of ethanolIt leads to formation of lactic acid
Little heat is releasedMore heat is released

Question 2

How do the following structures help in respiration in plants?

(a) Lenticels

(b) Stomata

(c) Root hairs

Answer

Given below are the ways in which the following structures help in plant respiration:

(a) Lenticels — Lenticels are openings present on mature stems. They allow oxygen from the air to diffuse into the stem and carbon dioxide produced during respiration to diffuse out.

(b) Stomata — Stomata are pores present mainly on the leaves. They allow the exchange of respiratory gases, i.e., oxygen diffuses in and carbon dioxide diffuses out.

(c) Root hairs — Root hairs are in contact with air spaces present between soil particles. Oxygen diffuses through these air spaces into the root hairs and is used for respiration by root cells.

Question 3

How are aerobic and anaerobic respirations different in plants?

Answer

The differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration in plants are as follows:

Aerobic Respiration in PlantsAnaerobic Respiration in Plants
Also called oxybiotic respirationAlso called anoxybiotic respiration
Proceeds in the presence of oxygenProceeds in the absence of oxygen
Occurs in mitochondriaOccurs in cytoplasm
Complete breakdown of glucoseIncomplete breakdown of glucose
End-products are Carbon dioxide and WaterEnd products are Ethyl Alcohol and Carbon dioxide
Large quantity of energy is liberated (38 ATP) from one mole of glucoseSmall quantity of energy is liberated (2 ATP) from one mole of glucose
Occurs normally throughout the lifeOccurs temporarily for short periods

Question 4

Explain why respiration is said to be the reverse of photosynthesis.

Answer

Respiration is said to be the reverse of photosynthesis due to the following reasons :

  1. In respiration, organic food is broken down into inorganic substances, namely carbon dioxide and water. In photosynthesis, organic food is manufactured from inorganic substances, namely carbon dioxide and water.
  2. In respiration, carbon dioxide is released whereas in photosynthesis, carbon dioxide is consumed.
  3. Oxygen is consumed during respiration whereas oxygen is evolved during photosynthesis.
  4. Energy is liberated during respiration whereas energy is absorbed during photosynthesis.

Question 5

What is respiration? How are respiration and burning similar and how are they different?

Answer

Oxidation of organic food particularly carbohydrates in living cells to release energy is called respiration.

Similarities between burning and respiration are —

  1. Oxygen is required by both.
  2. Energy is released by both.
  3. The end products of both are water and carbon dioxide.

Differences between burning and respiration:

RespirationBurning
Cellular processNon-cellular process
Occurs at body temperatureOccurs at high temperature (at ignition point)
Occurs in a series of chemical stepsOccurs in a single step
Carried out by enzymesCarried out by heat
Biochemical processPhysico-chemical process
Energy released as ATP and heatEnergy released as heat and light
Light energy is not producedLight energy is produced

Question 6

Describe one experiment each you would perform to demonstrate the following phenomena: The germinating seeds

  1. Produce heat,
  2. Give out Carbon dioxide,
  3. Can respire even in total absence of air.

Answer

  1. Aim — Experiment demonstrating the fact that germinating seeds produce heat.
Experiment demonstrating the fact that germinating seeds produce heat. Respiration in Plants, Concise Biology Solutions ICSE Class 9.

Procedure —

  1. Take two thermos flasks and mark them as 'A' and 'B'.
  2. Take pea or bean seeds and soak them in water for more than 24 hours.
  3. Divide the seeds into two equal groups.
  4. Kill one group of seeds by boiling them and wash them with dilute formalin or carbolic acid to prevent bacterial decay.
  5. Place the live germinating seeds in flask A and the boiled/killed seeds in flask B.
  6. Introduce a thermometer into each of the flasks and seal their mouths with cotton wool.
  7. Note the initial reading on each thermometer.

Inference —

  1. A few hours later, the thermometer in flask A shows a higher reading, showing that germinating seeds produce heat during respiration.

  2. Flask B shows no rise in temperature.

  3. Aim — Experiment demonstrating the fact that germinating seeds produce Carbon dioxide.

Experiment demonstrating the fact that germinating seeds produce carbon dioxide. Respiration in Plants, Concise Biology Solutions ICSE Class 9.

Procedure —

  1. Take two flasks and mark them as ‘A’ and ‘B’.
  2. At the base of both the flasks, place wet cotton wool.
  3. In flask A, take a few soaked pea seeds. In flask B, take an equal number of boiled seeds.
  4. To flask B, add some carbolic acid so as to inhibit bacterial growth on the dead seeds.
  5. Seal the flasks with corks and leave them undisturbed for a couple of days.
  6. Observe the changes.

Inference —

  1. After a few days, germination of seeds is observed in flask A.

  2. Flask B shows no signs of seed germination.

  3. The cork is removed to test the gases in each flask. The flask is tilted over a test tube containing limewater and the test tube is shaken.

  4. The gas from flask A turns limewater milky, indicating the presence of carbon dioxide and showing that germinating seeds produce carbon dioxide.

  5. The gas in the flask B shows no effect upon coming in contact with limewater, indicating absence of carbon dioxide.

  6. Aim — Experiment demonstrating that germinating seeds can respire even in the complete absence of air

one experiment each you would perform to demonstrate the following phenomena: 
The germinating seeds  Concise Biology Solutions ICSE Class 9.

Procedure and Inference —

  1. Fill a test tube with mercury and invert it into a beaker containing mercury.
  2. Push some soaked and peeled pea seeds into the test tube before inverting it into the mercury beaker.
  3. The seeds float up and remain completely surrounded by mercury.
  4. After a few days, the mercury level falls and some gas collects in the test tube.
  5. Introduce a stick or pellet of potassium hydroxide (KOH) into the test tube.
  6. The gas in the tube is absorbed and the mercury level rises again, showing that the gas was carbon dioxide.
  7. Consequently it is proved that the germinating seeds undergo respiration even in the total absence of air.

Question 7

Draw a neat and labelled, diagram showing the experimental set up (initial and final stages) to demonstrate anaerobic respiration in germinating seeds.

Answer

Below diagram shows the experimental set up (initial and final stages) to demonstrate anaerobic respiration in germinating seeds:

one experiment each you would perform to demonstrate the following phenomena: 
The germinating seeds  Concise Biology Solutions ICSE Class 9.

Structured / Application / Skill Type

Question 1

The following two chemical reactions are supposed to indicate a certain process occurring in the green plants under two different conditions:

(a) C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + ...... + 38ATP

(b) C6H12O6 → ...... + 2CO2 + 2ATP

  1. Fill in the blanks of each reaction
  2. Name the process represented by the two chemical equations
  3. What are the conditions under which the two reactions (a) and (b) are occurring?

Answer

  1. (a) 6H2O
    (b) 2C2H5OH
  2. (a) The process observed in this chemical reaction here is aerobic respiration
    (b) The process observed in this chemical reaction is anaerobic respiration
  3. The reaction occurring in (a) can take place only in the presence of oxygen as it is aerobic respiration. The reaction occurring in (b) can take place even in the absence of oxygen as it is anaerobic respiration.

Question 2

The experimental set-up given below demonstrates anaerobic respiration in germinating seeds. Read the information below the figure and answer the following questions :

The experimental set-up given below demonstrates anaerobic respiration in germinating seeds. Read the information below the figure and answer the following questions. Concise Biology Solutions ICSE Class 9.

Seeds can respire anaerobically for some time but later the radicles dry up and seedlings could not be produced. Soaked seeds are peeled and placed over mercury for germination.

(a) Why do we fill mercury in the test tube ? Can we do the same experiment in water or air ?

(b) Name the gas released by the germinating seeds, shown (A) in the figure.

(c) Can we do the above experiment with the seeds without peeling them ?

(d) How can we test the gas released in the above set-up ? Explain in short.

(e) How can we set the 'control set-up' for the above experiment ?

Answer

(a) Mercury is used because it excludes air and prevents oxygen from entering the test tube, thus creating anaerobic conditions. It also does not dissolve gases easily, so the gas released can collect at the top.
We cannot use air because it contains oxygen and would make respiration aerobic. Water is also not suitable because it contains dissolved gases and can dissolve carbon dioxide, preventing proper collection of the gas.

(b) The gas released by the germinating seeds is carbon dioxide.

(c) Yes, the experiment can be done without peeling the seeds, but peeling the seed coat hastens the outward diffusion of carbon dioxide.

(d) The gas released can be tested by introducing potassium hydroxide (KOH) into the test tube. KOH absorbs carbon dioxide, causing the mercury level to rise again. Alternatively, carbon dioxide can be confirmed by passing the gas through limewater, which turns milky due to the formation of calcium carbonate.

(e) A control set-up can be prepared in the same way, but with boiled and sterilised seeds instead of germinating seeds. Since boiled seeds are dead, they do not respire and no gas is produced.

Question 3

In order to study and prove a particular physiological process in plants, the following experiment was set up. Study the same and then answer the questions that follow:

In order to study and prove a particular physiological process in plants, the following experiment was set up. Study the same and then answer the questions that follow: Concise Biology Solutions ICSE Class 9.

(a) Name the physiological process being studied.

(b) What is the function of soda lime in the bottle 'A' and why is limewater placed in bottle 'B'?

(c) What change would you expect to observe in bottle 'D'?

(d) Represent the physiological process named in (a) above in the form of a chemical equation.

(e) In order to obtain accurate results, the bottle ‘C’ should be covered with a piece of black cloth. Why?

(f) If bottle 'C' was fitted with a 3-holed rubber stopper and a thermometer were introduced in such a way that its bulb reaches close to the germinating seeds, what would you observe? Why?

Answer

(a) The experiment demonstrates that carbon dioxide is produced during the process of respiration in germinating seeds.

(b) Soda lime is placed in bottle ‘A’ to absorb any carbon dioxide present in the incoming air. Limewater is placed in bottle ‘B’ to confirm that the air entering bottle ‘C’ is free from carbon dioxide; therefore, the limewater in bottle ‘B’ remains clear.

(c) The limewater in bottle ‘D’ will turn milky. This happens because the germinating seeds in bottle ‘C’ give out carbon dioxide during respiration, and this carbon dioxide passes into bottle ‘D’.

(d) The chemical reaction is as written below:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + 38ATP (energy)

(e) Bottle ‘C’ is covered with a black cloth to prevent photosynthesis. This ensures that the carbon dioxide produced during respiration is not used up in photosynthesis.

(f) A rise in temperature would be observed. This is because germinating seeds respire and release some energy in the form of heat.

Question 4

The following diagram refers to an apparatus which is used to demonstrate a physiological process:

The following diagram refers to an apparatus which is used to demonstrate a physiological process: Concise Biology Solutions ICSE Class 9.

(a) What is the purpose of keeping potassium hydroxide solution in the test tubes X and Y?

(b) Why has the coloured water risen in tubing 1?

(c) What is the purpose of keeping boiled peas soaked in a disinfectant in test tube Y?

(d) Name the biological process which causes the above rise.

(e) Define the biological process shown in the experiment

Answer

(a) Potassium hydroxide solution is kept in test tubes X and Y to absorb the carbon dioxide produced during respiration.

(b) In test tube X, the germinating peas respire and use up oxygen. The carbon dioxide produced is absorbed by potassium hydroxide. This reduces the volume and pressure of air inside the apparatus, so coloured water rises in tubing 1.

(c) Boiled peas soaked in a disinfectant are kept in test tube Y as the control. Boiling kills the peas, so they do not respire, and the disinfectant prevents bacterial growth.

(d) The biological process that causes the rise is respiration.

(e) Respiration is a catabolic process in which glucose is broken down in living cells to release energy for carrying out life processes.

Question 5

Given below is a set of six experimental set-ups (A-F), kept in this state for about 24 hours.

Given below is a set of six experimental set-ups (A-F), kept in this state for about 24 hours. Concise Biology Solutions ICSE Class 9.

(a) In how many flasks, the different plant parts have been kept under observation?

(b) What is the purpose of keeping a test-tube containing limewater in each flask?

(c) In which tube/tubes the limewater will turn milky?

(d) What is the purpose of the set-up F?

(e) What conclusion can you draw from this experiment?

Answer

(a) Different plant parts have been kept under observation in five flasks, A to E.

(b) Limewater is kept in each flask to test for the presence of carbon dioxide. It turns milky when carbon dioxide is present.

(c) The limewater will turn milky in flasks A, B, C, D and E because each of these flasks contains a plant part that respires and gives out carbon dioxide. The limewater in flask F will not turn milky because no plant part is present in it.

(d) In the experiment, the setup F depicts the experiment control, wherein all conditions are maintained in the same way except for the plant part that is absent in flask F.

(e) The experiment shows that all living plant parts respire and give out carbon dioxide during respiration.

Assertion Reason Type

Question 1(i)

Assertion (A): All the parts of a plant respire all the time, whether it is day or night.

Reason (R): Among all the parts of a plant, only the leaves respire because they contain stomata which help in the diffusion of respiratory gases.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

A is true but R is false.

ReasonA is true as all parts of a plant respire continuously, both day and night, to produce energy.
R is false because all parts of a plant respire, not just leaves. Stems respire through lenticels, while roots respire through their general surface/root hairs.

Therefore, A is true but R is false is the correct option.

Question 1(ii)

Assertion (A): Respiration is a catabolic process which produces energy in the form of ATP.

Reason (R): Respiration is the process in which glucose is broken down in a series of chemical steps to produce energy.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

ReasonA is true as respiration is a catabolic process.
R is true as it breaks down glucose to release energy in form of ATP.

Therefore, Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A is the correct option.

Question 1(iii)

Assertion (A): End products of anaerobic respiration in plants are ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Reason (R): Incomplete breakdown of glucose occurs in the anaerobic respiration of plants.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

ReasonA is true as in anaerobic respiration in plants (e.g., yeast), the end products are ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide.
R is true as in anaerobic respiration incomplete breakdown of glucose takes place.

Therefore, Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A is the correct option.

Question 1 (iv)

Assertion (A): In many respects, respiration and photosynthesis in plants are distinctly opposite processes.

Reason (R): In photosynthesis, food is oxidised; whereas in respiration, food is manufactured.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

A is True but R is False.

ReasonA is True as photosynthesis and respiration are opposite processes.
R is False as in photosynthesis glucose is manufactured from carbon dioxide and water and energy, while in respiration glucose is broken down (oxidised) to obtain carbon dioxide water and energy.

Therefore, A is True but R is False is the correct option.

Question 1(v)

Assertion (A): Kreb's cycle occurs in the mitochondria of a cell and releases energy.

Reason (R): Glycolysis and kreb's cycle are the two steps of respiration. They both occur in the mitochondria and release energy.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

A is true but R is false.

ReasonA is true as the Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondria and releases energy.
R is false because glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, while the Krebs cycle occurs in the mitochondria.

Therefore, A is true but R is false is the correct option.

Question 1(vi)

Assertion (A): Lenticels are the openings found on the surface of roots.

Reason (R): Lenticels help in the diffusion of gases.

  1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
  2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
  3. A is true but R is false.
  4. A is false but R is true.

Answer

A is False but R is True.

ReasonA is False as lenticels are the openings found on the surface of stem.
R is True as they help in gaseous exchange through diffusion.

Therefore, A is False but R is True is the correct option.

Case Study Answer

Question 1

While helping his mother trim the garden shrubs, Adarsh noticed tiny white dots on the stem of a guava plant. Curious, he gently scratched the bark and saw the spots remained unchanged, unlike normal tissue. Later during his biology class, he understood that these pores are respiratory structures. His biology teacher explained that plants do not have lungs like us but they also respire with the help of pores present on the stem as well as on the surfaces of leaves.

(a) What are these special pores found on the surface of stems and on the surface of leaves called ?

(b) Are the main steps of respiration in plants similar to that in humans ?

(c) Name the cell organelle which is mainly involved in the production of energy.

(d) Which surface of the leaves contains more number of these respiratory pores and how is it advantageous to the plants ?

(e) Write two more significant processes which occur through these respiratory pores found on the surface of leaves.

Answer

(a) These special pores found on the surface of stems are called lenticels and on the surface of leaves are called stomata.

(b) Yes, the main steps of respiration in plants are similar to those in humans. They include glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

(c) The cell organelle which is mainly involved in the production of energy is mitochondria.

(d) The lower surface of leaves contains more number of these respiratory pores.
It is advantageous because it reduces water loss while still allowing gas exchange.

(e) Two more significant processes which occur through these pores are transpiration and exchange of gases required for photosynthesis.

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