Chapter: 05. Plants In The Surroundings
Quick Check 1
The roots bind the plants to the soil and prevent soil (erosion/evaporation). Some stems like potato store (water/food). Leaves have a flat, broad part called the (lamina/vein). Leaves have tiny pores called (veins/stomata). Leaves give out extra (oil/water) present in plants. (Turnip/Onion) has a taproot. Quick Check 2
Most flowers change into fruits. Fruits do not protect seeds. All fruits contain one seed. Seed leaves are present outside the seed. The baby plant inside the cotyledons is called the embryo. Run-Through
I. Very Short Answer Questions
A. Tick the correct answer.
Which of the following parts of a plant remains underground? … bears leaves, branches, buds, flowers and fruits. Which part of a plant has lamina? In germination, a _____ grows into a plant. B. Complete the concept map.
C. Circle the odd one out.
Beans, Grass, Wheat, Onion Mustard, Rice, Mango, Grass Stomata, Trunk, Leaf Blade, Veins Carbon dioxide, Water, Sunlight, Dust Mango, Watermelon, Papaya, Tomato D. Name the following.
The part of a plant that grows under the soil: An example of a plant with a soft and green stem: The green-coloured pigment in leaves: II. Short Answer Questions
Name the types of roots. Also, give one example of each type. The two major types of roots are Taproot (Example: Carrot) and Fibrous root (Example: Rice). Name any one plant which has a weak and thin stem. Why are stomata important? Stomata are tiny pores on leaves that help the plant to breathe by taking in carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen. Name two fruits that contain one seed each. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food using the energy from sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water absorbed from the soil. Give one difference between:
a. Main vein and side veins
* The main vein (midrib) is the central vein in a leaf, while side veins are the smaller branches that extend from the main vein.
b. Flower and fruit
* Flowers are the colourful, reproductive parts of a plant that develop from buds, whereas fruits are the fleshy parts that develop from flowers and contain and protect the seeds.
c. Seed leaves and embryo
* Seed leaves (cotyledons) are structures inside a seed that store food for the baby plant, while the embryo is the tiny, undeveloped baby plant itself, located within the cotyledon(s). Draw and label the structure of monocot and dicot seeds. As an AI, I cannot draw. However, a drawing should show: Dicot Seed (e.g., Bean): A kidney-shaped seed with a visible seed coat, two large cotyledons (seed leaves) that can be split open, and a tiny embryo (consisting of a plumule and radicle) tucked between them. Monocot Seed (e.g., Corn): An oval-shaped seed with a seed coat, one large cotyledon (scutellum), and a smaller embryo embedded within it, also containing a plumule and radicle. III. Long Answer Questions
Differentiate between the types of roots with examples. Taproots have a single, thick main root that grows deep into the soil from the base of the stem. Many smaller, thinner lateral roots branch out from this central root. Examples include carrots, turnips, radishes, and mustard. Fibrous roots consist of a cluster of many fine, branching roots that arise from a single point at the base of the stem and spread out broadly, usually in the upper layers of the soil. They do not have one dominant main root. Examples include rice, wheat, onion, and grass. Explain the functions of a stem. The stem serves several crucial functions for a plant. Firstly, it provides support to the entire plant, holding up the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits, which helps them receive adequate sunlight. Secondly, the stem acts as a transport system, carrying water and minerals absorbed by the roots upwards to all other parts of the plant. Thirdly, it distributes the food made by the leaves (through photosynthesis) downwards to the roots and other non-photosynthesizing parts. Lastly, some stems, like ginger, turmeric, and potato, are modified to store food underground for the plant’s future use. Is there any similarity between the leaves of a plant and the kitchen in our house? Yes, there is a significant similarity between the leaves of a plant and the kitchen in our house. Just as a kitchen is the place where food is prepared for the family, the leaves of a plant are the primary sites where the plant prepares its own food. This vital process, called photosynthesis, uses sunlight, carbon dioxide from the air, and water to create the sugars (food) necessary for the plant’s survival and growth. Therefore, leaves can be considered the “kitchens” or “food factories” of the plant. Explain the structure of a dicot seed. A dicot seed, such as a kidney bean, is typically protected by a hard outer layer called the seed coat, which prevents it from damage. Inside this protective coat are two large, fleshy cotyledons, also known as seed leaves. These cotyledons are crucial because they contain or store all the necessary food supply for the young, developing plant. Nestled between these two cotyledons is the embryo, which is the tiny, rudimentary baby plant. The embryo itself consists of a small plumule, which will eventually grow upwards to become the shoot (stem and leaves), and a radicle, which will grow downwards to form the roots. How can you take care of plants at your home? To effectively care for plants at home, follow these guidelines: Provide adequate sunlight: Ensure your plants receive the right amount of sunlight suited to their species. Allow sufficient space: Give enough room between plants to prevent competition for light, water, and nutrients. Water regularly: Water your plants according to their specific needs; some require more frequent watering than others. Supply nutrients: Regularly add compost, manure, or fertilizers to the soil to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. Maintain cleanliness: Periodically rinse or spray water on leaves to clean off dust, allowing them to absorb sunlight and breathe efficiently. Weed out unwanted plants: Regularly remove weeds from your garden, as they compete with your plants for resources. IV. Challenge
Narayan soaked some whole green lentils in water and kept the bowl in the freezer. The next morning he checked the bowl and observed that germination had not taken place. Why had the lentils not germinated? The lentils did not germinate because they were kept in the freezer. Germination requires the right amount of warmth, water, and air. The cold temperature in the freezer inhibits the necessary biochemical processes and enzyme activities required for a seed to sprout and grow. Plants always grow towards sunlight. Do you think roots also grow towards sunlight? Why/Why not? No, roots do not grow towards sunlight. The chapter states that roots are the part of the plant that grows under the soil and away from sunlight. Roots primarily grow downwards (due to gravity) and towards water, focusing on anchoring the plant and absorbing water and minerals from the soil. It is the shoot (stem and leaves) that grows towards sunlight to facilitate photosynthesis. Suman ate the seeds of an orange. Will these seeds grow into an orange tree inside her? Why/Why not? No, the orange seeds will not grow into an orange tree inside Suman. For seeds to germinate and grow into a plant, they require specific environmental conditions including the right amount of warmth, water, air, and a suitable growing medium (like soil). The human digestive system does not provide these conditions; it lacks soil, the appropriate stable temperature, and the necessary atmospheric conditions for germination. Instead, the seeds would be digested or passed out of the body. V. Enrichment
A. Project: Know About Microgreens!
This is an activity designed to teach students how to grow edible microgreens at home. It involves soaking seeds, preparing a growing tray with organic potting soil, sprinkling seeds, watering with a spray bottle, covering, and then allowing them to grow in sunlight while watering daily until vibrant leaves appear. The goal is the hands-on experience of growing microgreens. B. Poetry Writing Integrated English
This is a creative writing task for students to compose a short poem. The purpose of the poem is to raise awareness about the importance of plants and how to care for them, allowing for individual or collaborative expression. Science Quest - Observe and Analyse
Select a leafy potted plant. Put the plant in a sunny area. Cover a leaf of the plant with a black bag or paper so that it does not get sunlight. You may use clips to make sure that the bag does not fall off due to wind. Water the plant daily. After a week, remove the bag and compare the covered leaf with other leaves. What do you notice? Record your observations in your notebook. Observation: The leaf that was covered with the black bag will likely appear pale, yellowish, or even shriveled, contrasting sharply with the healthy, green leaves that were exposed to sunlight. Analysis: This experiment demonstrates that sunlight is essential for leaves to produce chlorophyll (the green pigment) and perform photosynthesis. Without sunlight, the covered leaf cannot make its food or maintain its green color, proving the critical role of light in plant life. Redd the clues and complete the crossword.
ACROSS
3. STEM
4. FLOWER
5. STOMATA
DOWN
Picture Survey
Label the different parts of the plant. Also, give one function of each part.
Function: Changes into a fruit. Function: Makes food for the plant through photosynthesis. Function: Supports the plant and transports water and food. Function: Absorbs water and minerals from the soil and anchors the plant. Fruit (visible on the plant, though not explicitly labeled as a separate circle in the image provided for labeling): Function: Protects the seeds. 
Answers to textbook exercises
