CBSE Class 11 Biology Exemplar NCERT Solutions: Chapter 5 Morphology of Flowering Plants

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

CBSE Class 11 Biology Exemplar Chapter 5, Morphology of Flowering Plants, introduces students to the fascinating structural details of these vital organisms. We'll explore the different regions of a root's vertical section – the protective root cap, the actively dividing meristematic zone, the elongating zone, and the mature zone where differentiation occurs. The chapter also examines the diverse arrangements of flowers in various inflorescences, showcasing the beauty and efficiency of plant reproduction. Furthermore, we delve into the structure of seeds, understanding why some, like gram and peas, have no endosperm in their mature state, as it's fully utilized by the developing embryo. Mastering these morphological features is key to identifying and classifying plants, providing a strong foundation for further botanical studies and exam success.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectBiology Exemplar
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 5

Chapter summary

Chapter 5 of the CBSE Class 11 Biology Exemplar NCERT Solutions covers the morphology of flowering plants. It details the vertical structure of roots, identifying key zones like the root cap, meristematic zone, zone of elongation, and zone of maturation. The chapter also explains different types of inflorescences and the acropetal succession of flowers. Furthermore, it addresses the phenomenon of endospermic and non-endospermic seeds, specifically explaining why seeds of plants like gram and peas lack endosperm in their mature state. This chapter focuses on foundational plant anatomy and reproductive structures.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the different zones of a root in vertical section.
  • Identify the position of the youngest floral bud in a racemose inflorescence.
  • Explain the reason for the absence of endosperm in mature seeds of gram and peas.
  • Differentiate between tap roots, fibrous roots, and adventitious roots.
  • Recall the functions of various root zones and types.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Root Morphology
  • Zones of a Root
  • Root Cap
  • Zone of Meristems
  • Zone of Elongation
  • Zone of Maturation
  • Inflorescence Types
  • Acropetal Succession
  • Seed Structure
  • Endosperm
  • Non-endospermic Seeds
  • Types of Roots

Important topics

  • Zones of a Root in Vertical Section
  • Acropetal Succession in Inflorescence
  • Fate of Endosperm in Mature Seeds
  • Definition and Types of Roots

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Questions and Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Question 1

Rearrange the following zones as seen in the vertical section of a root and choose the correct option:
  1. Root hair zone
  2. Root cap zone
  3. Zone of elongation
  4. Zone of meristems
  5. Zone of maturation
Codes:
  1. C, B, E, A, D
  2. B, D, C, E, A
  3. D, E, A, C, B
  4. E, D, C, B, A
Solution: The vertical section of a root shows distinct zones responsible for its growth and function. Starting from the apex, these zones are:
  1. Root cap zone: This is the protective covering at the very tip of the root, secreting mucilage to ease penetration through the soil.
  2. Zone of meristems: Located just above the root cap, this region consists of actively dividing cells that contribute to root growth in length.
  3. Zone of elongation: Cells in this zone grow in size and elongate, pushing the root tip further into the soil.
  4. Zone of maturation: This region is where cells differentiate and mature. It is characterized by the presence of root hairs, which are crucial for absorbing water and minerals from the soil.
Therefore, the correct arrangement of the zones from the apex upwards is Root cap (B), Zone of meristems (D), Zone of elongation (C), and Zone of maturation (E), which includes the root hair zone (A). The correct code is (b) B, D, C, E, A.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Question 2

In an inflorescence where flowers are borne laterally in an acropetal succession, the position of the youngest floral bud shall be
  1. proximal
  2. distal
  3. intercalary
  4. any where
Solution: An inflorescence is the arrangement of flowers on the floral axis. In a racemose inflorescence, the main axis continues to grow indefinitely, and flowers are borne in a basipetal or acropetal order. Acropetal succession refers to the arrangement where older flowers are found towards the base (proximal end) and younger flowers are found towards the apex or tip (distal end). Therefore, in an inflorescence exhibiting acropetal succession, the youngest floral bud will be located at the distal end.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Question 3

The mature seeds of plants such as gram and peas possess no endosperm, because
  1. these plants are not angiosperms
  2. there is no double fertilisation in them
  3. endosperm is not formed in them
  4. endosperm gets used up by the developing embryo during seed development
Solution: Gram and peas are dicotyledonous plants belonging to the angiosperm group. During the development of the seed, the endosperm serves as a nutritive tissue for the developing embryo. In many dicotyledonous plants, including gram and peas, the endosperm is completely absorbed by the growing embryo by the time the seed matures. Consequently, the mature seeds of these plants are non-endospermic, meaning they do not contain stored endosperm. Option (d) accurately describes this phenomenon.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Question 4

Roots developed from parts of the plant other than radicle are called
  1. tap roots
  2. fibrous roots
  3. adventitious roots
  4. nodular roots
Solution: The primary root that develops from the radicle of the embryo during germination is called the tap root. However, roots can also arise from other parts of the plant, such as the stem or leaves. These roots, which do not originate from the radicle, are termed adventitious roots. Examples include prop roots in banyan trees or aerial roots in orchids. Fibrous roots are a type of root system found in monocots, characterized by thin, branching roots arising from the base of the stem. Nodular roots are modified roots that bear nodules, often involved in nitrogen fixation.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the order of root zones in a vertical section.
  • Misidentifying the position of the youngest bud in acropetal succession.
  • Not understanding the fate of endosperm during seed development in dicots.
  • Incorrectly classifying different types of root systems.

Revision tips

  • Draw and label the vertical section of a root to memorize the zones.
  • Visualize the acropetal succession in racemose inflorescences.
  • Focus on the developmental process of seeds and the role of endosperm.
  • Create flashcards for different root types and their characteristics.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which option correctly arranges the zones of a root in vertical section from apex to base?

Q2. In a racemose inflorescence with acropetal succession, where is the youngest floral bud located?

Q3. Why do mature seeds of gram and peas lack endosperm?

Q4. What term is used for roots that develop from parts of the plant other than the radicle?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main zones found in a vertical section of a root?

The main zones are the root cap, the zone of meristems (region of active cell division), the zone of elongation (where cells increase in length), and the zone of maturation (where cells differentiate and root hairs are formed).

What does 'acropetal succession' mean in the context of an inflorescence?

Acropetal succession means that the flowers are arranged in such a way that the youngest flowers are at the apex or distal end, and the older flowers are towards the base or proximal end of the inflorescence axis.

Why are seeds of gram and peas called non-endospermic?

These seeds are non-endospermic because the nutritive tissue, endosperm, is completely consumed by the developing embryo during the formation of the seed. Thus, the mature seed does not contain endosperm.

What is the difference between tap roots and adventitious roots?

Tap roots develop directly from the radicle of the embryo, forming a primary root with lateral branches. Adventitious roots, on the other hand, originate from any plant part other than the radicle, such as stems or leaves.

How do these NCERT Solutions help in preparing for the Class 11 Biology exam?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for complex concepts like root zones and inflorescence types, along with MCQs to test understanding. They help in revising the chapter thoroughly and mastering the morphology of flowering plants.

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