General Science Question Answers Chapter 2 Class 7 Maharashtra Board

Question Answers For All Chapters – General Science Class 7

Plants : Structure and Function

Exercise

Use Your Brain Power!

1. What would have happened if plants like tamarind, banyan, and mango had fibrous roots?

Answer :

If tamarind, banyan, and mango had fibrous roots instead of taproots, they would not be able to grow tall and strong. Taproots help in deep anchoring and absorbing nutrients from deeper layers of the soil. Without taproots, these trees might fall easily during strong winds or heavy rains.

2. What will happen if the root-tip is injured?

Answer :

The root-tip is responsible for growth and absorption of water and minerals. If it gets injured:

• The plant may not grow properly due to a lack of nutrients.
• Water absorption will be reduced, making the plant weak.
• The plant may wilt and eventually die if the damage is severe.

3. Which types of roots do fenugreek, spinach, and onion plants have?

• Fenugreek – Taproot
• Spinach – Taproot
• Onion – Fibrous root

Complete the chart.

Exercise

1. Give examples of three plants that have:

(a) Spiny fruits: Jackfruit, Durian, Chestnut

(b) Spiny stem: Cactus, Aloe Vera, Rose

(c) Red flowers: Hibiscus, Rose, Poppy

(d) Yellow flowers: Sunflower, Mustard, Marigold

(e) Leaves which close at night: Touch-Me-Not (Mimosa), Rain Tree, Wood Sorrel

(f) Single-seeded fruits: Mango, Peach, Plum

(g) Many-seeded fruits: Papaya, Watermelon, Tomato

2. Observe any one flower and describe its parts in your own words.

Example: Hibiscus Flower

• It has a long pedicel that attaches it to the stem.
• The calyx consists of green sepals that protect the bud.
• The corolla is made of five bright red petals.
• The androecium has stamens with yellow pollen at the tips.
• The gynoecium contains the stigma, style, and ovary, which help in reproduction.

3. What are the similarities and differences between:

(a) Jowar and Moong

• Similarity: Both are crops used as food grains.
• Difference: Jowar has fibrous roots, while moong has taproots.

(b) Onion and Coriander

• Similarity: Both are used as vegetables and spices.
• Difference: Onion has bulbous roots, whereas coriander has taproots.

(c) Leaves of Banana and Mango

• Similarity: Both are broad leaves with a clear midrib.
• Difference: Banana leaves have parallel venation, while mango leaves have reticulate venation.

(d) Coconut tree and Jowar stalk plant

• Similarity: Both have fibrous roots for support.
• Difference: The coconut tree is tall and woody, whereas jowar is short and non-woody.

4. Explain the given images in your own words.

(You need to refer to your textbook images, but here are possible explanations.)

• Image A: Shows different types of roots such as taproots and fibrous roots found in plants.
• Image B: Shows types of venation like parallel venation in monocots (grass) and reticulate venation in dicots (peepal leaf).

5. Describe the functions of various parts of a plant.

• Roots: Absorb water and minerals from the soil and anchor the plant.
• Stem: Supports the plant, transports water and nutrients from roots to leaves.
• Leaves: Perform photosynthesis and make food for the plant.
• Flowers: Help in reproduction and attract pollinators.
• Fruits: Protect seeds and help in seed dispersal.

6. Certain properties are mentioned below. Find a leaf corresponding to each property and describe those plants.

• Leaves with a smooth surface: Banana (helps water roll off easily).
• Leaves with a rough surface: Peepal (tough texture to withstand wind).
• Fleshy leaf: Aloe Vera (stores water in dry conditions).
• Spines on leaves: Cactus (reduces water loss and protects from animals).

7. Find the plant parts hidden in the word puzzle.

Possible words in the puzzle: Root, Stem, Leaf, Petal, Bud, Ovule, Stigma, Anther, Fruit