Morphology of Flowering Plants: NEET Notes, Solved Questions, and FAQs

Understanding the morphology of flowering plants is essential for NEET and class 11 biology. In this detailed blog, you’ll find notes, frequently asked NEET questions with detailed explanations, clear diagrams and tables, as well as a comprehensive FAQ section. Ace your preparation with concepts made easy for both revision and SEO ranking!

Introduction
The Root System of Flowering Plants
Key Differences: Monocot vs Dicot Flowers
NEET MCQs with Detailed Answers & Explanations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Introduction

Flowering plants, or angiosperms, are the most diverse and widespread plant group on earth. Analyzing their morphology—structure and form—helps in understanding classification, adaptation, and various core functions, forming a major part of the NEET Biology syllabus.

The Root System of Flowering Plants

Types of Root Systems

Root Type	Features / Origin	Examples
Tap Root System	Develops from radicle, forms main root, gives off laterals	Mustard, Gram (Dicots)
Fibrous Root System	Primary root is short-lived, replaced by many equal roots from stem base	Wheat, Rice (Monocots)
Adventitious Roots	Develop from parts of plant other than radicle, often stem or leaf	Grass, Banyan, Maize, Sweet potato

Key Modifications and Functions

Storage: Swollen for reserve food (e.g. carrot – tap root, sweet potato – adventitious root)
Support: Prop roots (Banyan), stilt roots (Maize, Sugarcane)
Aeration: Pneumatophores in mangroves (Rhizophora, Avicennia)
Absorption: Root hairs increase surface for water/nutrients
Specialized Roots: Clinging roots (Orchids), Velamen roots (Aerial roots in orchids absorb moisture)

Key Differences: Monocot vs Dicot Flowers

Feature	Monocotyledons (Monocots)	Dicotyledons (Dicots)
Petal Arrangement	Multiples of 3	Multiples of 4 or 5
Leaf Venation	Parallel veins	Reticulate/net-like veins
Number of Cotyledons	One	Two
Root System	Fibrous	Tap root
Vascular Bundle	Scattered in stem	In a ring
Ovule Number	Usually many per ovary	One or few per ovary

NEET MCQs with Detailed Answers & Explanations

Q1. The roots that originate from the base of the stem are: (NEET 2020)

Options:
(a) Fibrous roots
(b) Primary roots
(c) Prop roots
(d) Lateral roots

Answer: (a) Fibrous roots
Explanation: In monocot plants like wheat and rice, the primary root dies early and is replaced by a mass of similar-looking roots that arise from the base of the stem, forming a fibrous root system. Such roots are thin, thread-like, and equal in size. This adaptation is typical in monocots and helps with quick absorption of water/nutrients and anchorage.

Q2. Sweet potato is a modified: (NEET 2018)

Options:
(a) Stem
(b) Adventitious root
(c) Tap root
(d) Rhizome

Answer: (b) Adventitious root
Explanation: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is not a stem or rhizome structure; instead, it is a swollen, storage root known as a root tuber. These arise from extra-radicle parts (adventitious roots) and store food, making them rich in starch.

Q3. Roots play insignificant role in absorption of water in: (2015)

Options:
(a) Pea
(b) Wheat
(c) Sunflower
(d) Pistia

Answer: (d) Pistia
Explanation: Pistia, or water lettuce, is a floating aquatic plant. In aquatic habitats, roots are poorly developed and water/nutrients are mainly absorbed by the body surface (leaves and stem). Roots are present for balance or anchorage, not for absorption.

Q4. Pneumatophores are found in: (2000)

Options:
(a) Vegetation found in marshy & saline lakes
(b) Vegetation in acidic soil
(c) Xerophytes
(d) Epiphytes

Answer: (a) Vegetation found in marshy & saline lakes
Explanation: Pneumatophores are specialized roots that grow vertically upwards, aiding in gaseous exchange under waterlogged, anaerobic conditions. They are “breathing roots” of mangroves like Rhizophora, Avicennia, which occur in saline, marshy areas.

Q5. The plant which bears clinging roots is: (1999)

Options:
(a) Screw pine
(b) Podostemon
(c) Trapa
(d) Orchid

Answer: (d) Orchid
Explanation: Orchids are epiphytes bearing different types of roots. Clinging roots arise from the nodes and help the plant attach itself to surfaces, providing support in an aerial/no-soil environment, typical of orchids.

Q6. Velamen is found in: (1991)

Options:
(a) Roots of screwpine
(b) Aerial & terrestrial roots of orchids
(c) Leaves of Ficus elastica
(d) Aerial roots of orchids

Answer: (d) Aerial roots of orchids
Explanation: Velamen is a thick, spongy, multiple epidermis covering the aerial roots of epiphytic orchids. It absorbs atmospheric moisture and protects delicate tissues from dessication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the primary function of roots in plants?

Absorption of water and nutrients from soil, anchorage, storing food, and in some cases, synthesizing hormones and regulators.

Q2: How do tap roots differ from fibrous roots?

Tap roots: Single main root with smaller laterals (found in dicots).
Fibrous roots: Cluster of similarly-sized roots from stem base (found in monocots).

Q3: Why are roots in aquatic plants like Pistia not efficient in absorbing water?

In floating aquatic plants, water is absorbed through the whole body; roots may be reduced or just help in anchorage.

Q4: What’s the biological significance of pneumatophores?

They supply oxygen to submerged roots in mangrove swamps by sticking above the water surface and absorbing air.

Q5: How do orchids survive as epiphytes?

With specialized aerial roots having velamen tissue, they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, and clinging roots attach to the host.

Q6: Can roots act as storage organs? Give examples.

Yes, some roots store food (carrot – tap root; sweet potato – adventitious root).

Q7: What are prop and stilt roots?

Prop roots: Descend from branches to provide support (Banyan tree).
Stilt roots: Arise from lower nodes to anchor and support (Maize, Sugarcane).

Q8: What is meant by adventitious roots?

Roots growing from any part except the radicle, often for support, storage, or vegetative propagation.

Q9: What is the function of velamen tissue?

Protects and absorbs moisture in aerial roots of epiphytes (esp. orchids).

Q10: Are all modified roots found underground?

No, some (like prop, stilt, pneumatophores, clinging, and velamen roots) function above ground or in aerial spaces.

Quick Revision Table

Modification	Plant Example	Function	Special Feature
Storage Tap Root	Carrot	Food storage	Main root swells
Storage Adventitious Root	Sweet potato	Food storage	Stem-like root
Prop Root	Banyan	Mechanical support	From branches downwards
Stilt Root	Maize, Sugarcane	Support to tall plants	From lower stem nodes
Pneumatophore	Mangrove (Rhizophora)	Respiration	Vertical, air-absorbing
Clinging Root	Orchid	Attachment to host	Node-origin, sticky
Velamen Tissue	Orchid (Epiphyte)	Water absorption	Spongy, aerial root cover

Final Tips for NEET Aspirants

Always pair concepts with examples—most NEET MCQs are application-based.
Draw neat diagrams and learn labels for root modifications and flower parts.
Use tables for quick revisions before the exam.
Practice MCQs from previous years for best results.

Keep referring to NCERT and reputable coaching notes for updates. Stay curious and consistent. All the best for your NEET journey!

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morphology of flowering plants neet questions (flower)