Photo AI
Write a short note on each of the following terms: (i) Monocotyledons and dicotyledons - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question (c) - 2008
Question (c)
Write a short note on each of the following terms: (i) Monocotyledons and dicotyledons. (ii) Osmosis and diffusion. (iii) Aerobic respiration and anaerobic respirati... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write a short note on each of the following terms: (i) Monocotyledons and dicotyledons - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question (c) - 2008
Step 1
Monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
Answer
Monocotyledons, or monocots, are plants characterized by having one cotyledon (seed leaf) in the seed. They often exhibit parallel leaf veins and scattered vascular bundles in the stem. Some examples include grasses and lilies.
Dicotyledons, or dicots, contain two cotyledons in the seed. They are recognized by their broad leaves, net-like vein patterns, and flower parts typically in multiples of four or five. Vascular bundles in dicots are arranged in a circle in the stem. Examples include roses and oak trees.
Step 2
Osmosis and diffusion.
Answer
Osmosis refers to the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration until equilibrium is reached. It is essential for maintaining cell turgor.
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. This occurs across a permeable membrane and is fundamental for processes like gas exchange in respiration.
Step 3
Aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.
Answer
Aerobic respiration is a metabolic process that requires oxygen and results in the release of a significant amount of energy by breaking down glucose into carbon dioxide and water. This process is efficient and produces much more energy compared to anaerobic respiration.
Anaerobic respiration, in contrast, occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces a smaller amount of energy. It results in byproducts such as lactic acid in animals or ethanol and carbon dioxide in yeast.
Step 4
Mitosis and meiosis.
Answer
Mitosis is a type of cell division that maintains the chromosome number, producing two identical daughter cells. It is crucial for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction.
Meiosis, on the other hand, is a specialized form of cell division that results in four genetically varied cells, each with half the chromosome number of the parent cell. This process is vital for sexual reproduction and contributes to genetic diversity in populations.