Question

Chief sink of minerals are (a) Apical and lateral meristem (b) Young leafs and storage organs (c) Developing flower, fruits and seeds (d) All of these

Short answer

The correct answer is (d) All of these. Every part mentioned serves as a 'sink' for minerals in plants, as they all consume or store minerals.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the concept of 'sinks'

In the context of plants, the term 'sink' refers to parts of the plant that use or store the nutrients or products derived from the process of photosynthesis, including sugars and minerals. 'Sources' are the parts of the plant that produce these products, typically the leaves through the process of photosynthesis.

Analyzing the choices

Next, using this understanding about what 'sinks' in plants are, look at each of the options given. \(a)\ Apical and lateral meristem, \(b)\ Young leafs and storage organs, \(c)\ Developing flower, fruits and seeds. It's clear that all of these parts of the plant could potentially serve as sinks.

Choosing the correct answer

Since all these parts of a plant could potentially serve as 'sinks' for minerals, it's logical to select \(d) All of these as the correct answer to the question of where the chief sinks of minerals in plants are located.

Key concepts

Apical Meristem

The apical meristem is an essential part of a plant's growth structure. Located at the tips of roots and shoots, these cells are actively dividing and enable the plant to grow taller or its roots to grow deeper. When we think about plant growth, much of it happens in the apical meristems.

These meristems are crucial because they help form new tissues, including leaves and flowers. Given their role in growth and development, apical meristems require a constant supply of nutrients, making them a significant sink in plants. This means they are areas where the plant prioritizes sending nutrients to fuel growth.

• Continuous cell division occurs here.
• Growth in height and length of the plant is facilitated through apical meristems.
• Nutrients are transported to the apical meristem to support new growth.

Lateral Meristem

While apical meristems focus on vertical growth, lateral meristems are responsible for the thickening or growth in diameter of the plant. These meristems are found parallel to the sides of stems and roots and are associated with secondary growth.

The lateral meristem, which includes the vascular cambium and cork cambium, forms the tissues necessary for increased thickness of the plant.* Nutrient allocation to these areas is crucial as they help reinforce the plant's structure and are essential sinks.

• Supports plant widening through cell division.
• Contributes to the production of wood (in trees) and protective bark.
• Functions as a sink due to its nutrient demands for growth.

Developing Flowers and Fruits

Developing flowers and fruits are among the most significant sinks in a plant. As flowers develop, they prepare to fulfill their role in reproduction. This requires a high amount of energy and nutrients to support processes such as the formation of petals, stamens, and pistils.

Once pollination occurs, flowers often transform into fruits, which further increases the nutrient demand. Fruiting stages require resource allocation to facilitate seed development and the surrounding fruit structure, ensuring successful reproduction.

• High nutrient demands support flower formation and growth.
• Fruits necessitate additional resources for seed protection.
• Significantly impact how nutrients are distributed throughout the plant.

Nutrient Storage in Plants

Nutrient storage organs in plants, such as tubers, bulbs, and seeds, act as essential nutrient sinks. They store energy and nutrients that the plant has synthesized or absorbed, enabling the plant to survive periods of dormancy or unfavorable conditions.

These storage organs are critical for the plant's lifecycle, as they ensure a reserve of resources that can be tapped into during growth or when photosynthesis is not possible (e.g., during winter months).

• Stores carbohydrates and minerals for future use.
• Supports plant survival and regrowth in less favorable conditions.
• Vital for perennial plants during their dormant stages.