[Campbell Biology P.851] According to the text, what is a described effect of rapid, long-di... | Practice Question

According to the text, what is a described effect of rapid, long-distance electrical signaling in the phloem?

  • A: It primarily triggers rapid leaf movements in all plant species.
  • B: It can elicit changes in gene transcription, respiration, photosynthesis, phloem unloading, or hormonal levels in distant parts of the plant.
  • C: It facilitates the immediate absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
  • D: It solely serves as a defense mechanism against localized bacterial infections.

Explanation

The 'Electrical Signaling in the Phloem' section states: 'Some studies have revealed that a stimulus in one part of a plant can trigger an electrical signal in the phloem that affects another part, where it may elicit a change in gene transcription, respiration, photosynthesis, phloem unloading, or hormonal levels.' This directly matches option B.