The Question is from neet-botany anatomy-of-flowering-plants collenchyma, and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

A mutation in a plant prevents the proper synthesis of pectin. Which tissue would be MOST directly affected by this mutation and what would be the primary consequence?

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: 3
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Plant tissue structure and function, particularly the role of pectin in cell walls.
 **Related Topics**: Cell wall composition, plant growth, tissue types (collenchyma, sclerenchyma, parenchyma, xylem).
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of the basic functions of different plant tissues and the chemical components of plant cell walls.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
A mutation prevents proper pectin synthesis.
**Method & Steps**:
1. **Identify the role of pectin:** Pectin is a major component of the middle lamella, the layer between adjacent plant cells. It's crucial for cell adhesion and contributes to tissue flexibility and strength.
2. **Consider the tissue types:**
    * **Sclerenchyma:** Provides structural support in mature tissues, primarily through lignin. While pectin plays a minor role, its absence would not be the primary cause of decreased rigidity.
    * **Parenchyma:** Primarily involved in storage and photosynthesis.  Pectin's role is less critical here than in tissues requiring significant cell-to-cell adhesion.
    * **Collenchyma:** Provides flexible support in growing regions of the plant.  Collenchyma cells are characterized by unevenly thickened cell walls rich in pectin.  Therefore, a lack of pectin would directly impact their ability to provide flexible support.
    * **Xylem:** Primarily involved in water transport.  While cell walls are present, pectin's role is less significant compared to its role in collenchyma.
3. **Determine the most affected tissue:** Collenchyma relies most heavily on pectin for its structure and function.  The lack of pectin would directly impair its ability to provide flexible support to growing regions.
4. **Identify the primary consequence:** Reduced flexible support in growing regions.

**Result**: Collenchyma would be most directly affected, leading to reduced flexible support in growing regions.
**Verification**: The given options align with the known roles of pectin in plant tissues. The collenchyma's heavy reliance on pectin makes option 3 the most logical choice.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Sclerenchyma relies primarily on lignin, not pectin, for rigidity.
[B] :x: Parenchyma's primary function is storage, and pectin's role is secondary.
[C] ✓: Collenchyma's cell walls are rich in pectin, making it directly dependent on pectin for flexible support.
[D] :x: Xylem's primary function is water transport, and pectin plays a minor role in its structure.
## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1. Confusing the roles of different plant tissues:  Understanding the specific functions of each tissue type (collenchyma, sclerenchyma, parenchyma, xylem) is crucial.
  2. Overlooking the importance of the middle lamella: Recognizing pectin's primary role in the middle lamella and its significance for cell adhesion is key.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. Remember the key components of cell walls in different tissue types.
  2. Associate pectin with flexible support in growing regions (collenchyma).

NISHANTH · Answer

Sclerenchyma; decreased rigidity in mature tissues

NISHANTH · Answer

Parenchyma; reduced storage capacity

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Collenchyma; reduced flexible support in growing regions"

NISHANTH · Answer

Xylem; impaired water transport

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