[Campbell Biology P.808] Based on the information provided, what is the primary reason why a... | Practice Question

Based on the information provided, what is the primary reason why a vascular plant's root system would 'starve' if it could not import resources from the shoot system?

  • A: The root system primarily relies on the shoot system for structural support and anchorage.
  • B: Roots are almost never photosynthetic and depend on the shoot system to produce photosynthates.
  • C: The shoot system is responsible for absorbing all necessary water and minerals for the entire plant.
  • D: The root system requires oxygen, which is exclusively supplied by the shoot system through diffusion.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'Roots are almost never photosynthetic; they starve unless photosynthates, the sugars and the other carbohydrates produced during photosynthesis, are imported from the shoot system.' This clearly indicates that the lack of photosynthates from the shoot system would cause the roots to starve.