The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

A plant species adapted to waterlogged conditions exhibits aerenchyma formation in its roots. Which of the following BEST explains the adaptive advantage of this anatomical modification?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Plant adaptations to anaerobic conditions
	**Related Topics**: Plant anatomy, gas exchange in plants, respiration
	**Prerequisites**: Understanding of plant root structure and function, aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
A plant species adapted to waterlogged conditions exhibits aerenchyma formation in its roots.

**Method & Steps**:
1. Understanding Aerenchyma:
Aerenchyma is a spongy tissue with large air spaces in plant roots and stems.  It's a common adaptation in plants living in waterlogged or flooded soils.
2. Oxygen Availability in Waterlogged Soils:
Waterlogged soils have low oxygen availability due to reduced diffusion of oxygen into the soil.
3. Function of Aerenchyma:
The large air spaces in aerenchyma facilitate the diffusion of oxygen from the aerial parts of the plant (stems and leaves) to the submerged roots. This allows the roots to carry out aerobic respiration, even in oxygen-poor conditions.
4. Adaptive Advantage:
Therefore, the primary adaptive advantage of aerenchyma in waterlogged conditions is to ensure sufficient oxygen supply to the roots for aerobic respiration.

3. Final Step:
The correct option is C.  The other options are incorrect because they don't address the primary problem faced by roots in waterlogged soil – lack of oxygen.

## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Increasing root surface area is beneficial for water and nutrient uptake, but not the primary advantage in waterlogged conditions where oxygen is the limiting factor.
B :x: While aerenchyma might offer some structural support, its primary function is gas exchange.
C ✓:  Facilitates oxygen transport to submerged root tissues, enabling aerobic respiration – This is the correct answer because it directly addresses the oxygen deficiency problem in waterlogged soils.
D :x: Aerenchyma does not store excess water; it facilitates gas transport.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1.Confusing aerenchyma with other root adaptations (e.g., root hairs): Focus on the function of air spaces in relation to oxygen transport.
		2.Ignoring the context of waterlogged soil:  The key is understanding the low oxygen levels in such conditions.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1.Remember that waterlogged soil is characterized by low oxygen levels.
		2.Aerenchyma is a specialized adaptation for oxygen transport in plants growing in anaerobic conditions.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Increases root surface area for enhanced water absorption

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Provides structural support to prevent root collapse in saturated soil

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Facilitates oxygen transport to submerged root tissues, enabling aerobic respiration"

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Stores excess water for use during periods of drought

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