General Science

Structural Organisations of Plants and Animals Questions

Chapter: Life Sciences | Total Available: 16 Real Questions

Question 1 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following plant plastids storesstarch, oil and protein granules?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option B is correct. Leucoplasts are responsible for storing starch, oils, and proteins.

πŸ“– Core Biological Concept

Plastids are cellular organelles involved in the synthesis and storage of various biochemical compounds. They can be categorized into three primary types: chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and leucoplasts.

πŸ”¬ Anatomical & Physiological Mechanism

Leucoplasts are colorless plastids found in non-photosynthetic tissues. They serve various storage functions:

  • Amyloplasts: Store starch.
  • Elaioplasts: Store oils and fats.
  • Aleuroplasts: Store proteins.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: Chloroplast: Contains chlorophyll, involved in photosynthesis.
  • C: Chromoplast: Contains pigments that provide color to fruits and flowers.
  • D: Xanthoplast: A type of chromoplast containing yellow pigments.

⚑ Memory Hook (Mnemonic)

Remember "LEA" for Leucoplasts: Lipids, Essential starch, Amino acids (proteins).

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A diagram showing different plastids (chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and leucoplasts) with their functions and storage capabilities.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Biology, Chapter 12 (Plant Physiology).

Question 2 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Blood is a type of

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (d) is correct. Blood is classified as connective tissue.

πŸ“– Core Biological Concept

Blood is a specialized type of connective tissue that plays a critical role in transporting nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body.

πŸ”¬ Anatomical & Physiological Mechanism

Connective tissues are characterized by a few key components: widely scattered cells, an abundance of extracellular matrix, and various types of fibers. Blood contains:

  • Cells: Red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes).
  • Matrix: Plasma, which is a fluid component containing water, electrolytes, and proteins.

These components facilitate essential functions like oxygen transport, immune response, and clotting.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: Epithelial tissue - Specializes in covering surfaces and lining cavities; does not relate to blood.
  • B: Muscular tissue - Responsible for movement; not applicable to blood structure or function.
  • C: Nervous tissue - Involved in signal transmission; unrelated to blood.

⚑ Memory Hook (Mnemonic)

Remember "BLOOD" for Blood, Life, Oxygen, Other nutrients, Defense (immune), indicating its vital functions as a connective tissue.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

An ideal diagram would illustrate the components of blood: red and white blood cells, plasma, and platelets in a labeled manner, verifying its classification as connective tissue.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XI Biology, Chapter 6 (Body Fluids and Circulation).

Question 3 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following organisms has vascular tissues ?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (c) is correct. Marsilea is a vascular plant, possessing specialized tissues for transport.

πŸ“– Core Biological Concept

Marsilea is a genus of aquatic ferns that exhibits vascular tissues, which include xylem and phloem, essential for the conduction of water, minerals, and nutrients.

πŸ”¬ Anatomical & Physiological Mechanism

  • Xylem: Transports water and minerals from roots to other parts of the plant.
  • Phloem: Distributes the products of photosynthesis (nutrients) throughout the plant.

πŸ” Option Analysis

A: Cladophora - A green algae with no vascular tissues, reproducing via spores.
B: Penicillium - A fungus, also lacking vascular structures, reproducing by spores.
D: Anabaena - A cyanobacterium, it is prokaryotic and lacks vascular system.

⚑ Memory Hook (Mnemonic)

Remember "Marsilea's Vascularity" to recall that it is a vascular plant among the options.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A diagram illustrating the structure of a vascular plant with highlighted xylem and phloem alongside a comparison with non-vascular plants.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Biology, Chapter 13 (Plant Kingdom).

Question 4 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following is NOT a component of conducting tissue in plants ?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (c) is correct. The pericycle is not part of the conducting tissue in plants.

πŸ“– Core Biological Concept

The conducting tissue in plants consists of specialized structures responsible for the transportation of nutrients and water. The main components are xylem and phloem.

πŸ”¬ Anatomical & Physiological Mechanism

  • Fibres: Provide mechanical support and are usually associated with xylem.
  • Tracheids: Water-conducting elements in xylem, facilitating water transport.
  • Sieve tubes: Part of the phloem, responsible for transporting sugars and nutrients.
  • Pericycle: A layer of cells that can give rise to lateral roots; it does not serve as a transport medium.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • Option A (Fibres): Integral for support but not a transport tissue.
  • Option B (Tracheids): Key component of xylem for water conduction.
  • Option C (Pericycle): Acts as a protective layer and initiates root formation; not involved in transport.
  • Option D (Sieve tubes): Essential for phloem transport of nutrients.

⚑ Memory Hook (Mnemonic)

Recall the mnemonic "TFS - Tracheids, Fibres, Sieve tubes" to remember the key components of conducting tissue excluding pericycle.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

Include a diagram illustrating the structure of vascular tissues in plants, highlighting the xylem (with tracheids) and phloem (with sieve tubes), clearly marking the pericycle as a distinct service layer.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Biology, Chapter 6 (Anatomy of Flowering Plants).

Question 5 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following tissues is known as basic packing tissue and found in xylem and phloem?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option (b) is correct. Parenchyma is the basic packing tissue found in xylem and phloem.

πŸ“– Core Biological Concept

Parenchyma, a fundamental plant tissue, acts as the primary packing material, providing structural support and filling spaces within the plant body.

πŸ”¬ Anatomical & Physiological Mechanism

Parenchyma cells are characterized by their thin cell walls and large vacuoles, allowing for a variety of functions including:

  • Storage of nutrients and water
  • Support for other plant structures
  • Facilitation of gas exchange

Parenchyma is divided into:

  • Xylem parenchyma: Involved in water and nutrient transport
  • Phloem parenchyma: Plays a role in the transport of food

πŸ” Option Analysis

Comparison of the options:

  • Collenchyma: Provides support, but has thicker cell walls and lacks the function of packing.
  • Sclerenchyma: Offers rigid support with thickened secondary cell walls, not primarily packing tissue.
  • Vessels: Specialized tissues for conduction; not packing material.

⚑ Memory Hook (Mnemonic)

Remember: "Packing Parenchyma" for its essential role in filling spaces and supporting plant organs.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

Illustrate a plant cross-section highlighting parenchyma in xylem and phloem, showcasing its space-filling and supportive roles within the plant structure.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Biology, Chapter 6 (Tissues).

Question 6 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Consider the following pairs with referenceto sedimentary rocks and the process of theirformation:

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option D is correct. All pairs are correctly matched with their formation processes.

πŸ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

Sedimentary rocks are categorized based on their formation processes. Understanding these processes is crucial for geology.

πŸ§ͺ Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Chert: Formed by the accumulation of silica, often in marine environments, leading to chemically precipitated deposits.

2. Geyserite: Forms from the silica-rich deposits around hot springs; it is an example of organic formation.

3. Shale: Created by the compaction of clay and silt, this is a mechanical sedimentary rock.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • Option A: Incorrect. Only the first is not sufficiently analyzed.
  • Option B: Incorrect. The third statement related to Shale is correct.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Geyserite is properly matched, but Chert is not individually matched with the formation process.

⚑ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: Chemical Chert, Organic Geyserite, Mechanical Shale to recall the types and their formation processes easily.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A flowchart depicting the sedimentary rock formation processes, detailing Chemical, Organic, and Mechanical pathways with examples.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Geography, Chapter on Earth's Internal Processes.

Question 7 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Consider the following statements with reference to Feldspar mineral:

1. Half of the earth’s crust is composed of feldspa

r2. It has light cream to salmon pink colour

3. Magnesium is a common element in all types of feldspar

Which of the statements given above is/arecorrect?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option B is correct. Feldspar makes up about half of the Earth's crust and often exhibits light cream to salmon pink colors.

πŸ“– Governing Law / Core Concept

Feldspar is a vital group of rock-forming minerals composed primarily of aluminum, silicon, and various metal ions.

πŸ§ͺ Step-by-Step Breakdown

  • Statement 1: Feldspar constitutes nearly 50% of the Earth's crust, confirming True.
  • Statement 2: The common color range for feldspar includes light cream to salmon pink, confirming True.
  • Statement 3: Magnesium is not found in all feldspar varieties; instead, feldspar typically contains sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • Option A: Incorrect as it omits statement 2.
  • Option C: Incorrect; although statement 2 is correct, statement 3 is not.
  • Option D: Incorrect for the same reason as option C.

⚑ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: Feldspar's common colorsβ€”Light Cream to Salmon Pink; Magnesium is optional, not mandatory.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against standard geological texts on mineralogy and Earth's crust composition.

Question 8 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Cambium is an example of

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution
βœ“

1. Correct Answer

Option A is correct. Cambium is a type of lateral meristem.

πŸ“– Core Concept

Cambium is a crucial meristematic tissue that facilitates secondary growth in vascular plants, contributing to their thickness and support.

πŸ’‘ 3. Explanation

The cambium is located laterally between the xylem and phloem layers. It plays a vital role in secondary growth by producing secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem (bark), essential for nutrient transport and structural stability.

❌ 4. Option Analysis

  • •Option B: Apical meristem is responsible for primary growth at shoot and root tips.
  • •Option C: Intercalary meristem aids in elongation, found in the bases of leaves and stem nodes.
  • •Option D: Permanent tissue consists of differentiated and non-dividing cells, unlike cambium.
⚑

NDA Speed-Run / Mnemonic Shortcut

"Cambium is Lateral Growth" reminds how cambium facilitates secondary thickening in plants.

🎯

5. Key Takeaways

Cambium is a lateral meristem that is critical for the secondary growth of plants.

6. Visual Suggestion

[A cross-sectional diagram of a tree trunk illustrating the cambium layer between xylem and phloem, clearly labeled to show its role in secondary growth.]

Question 9 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following tissues helps connect two bones?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option D is correct. Cartilage specifically connects and cushions two bones in a joint.

πŸ“– Core Biological Concept

Cartilage is a specialized connective tissue that provides flexible support and cushioning between bones, particularly in joints such as the knee and elbow.

πŸ”¬ Anatomical & Physiological Mechanism

Composed of chondrocytes within a collagen-rich extracellular matrix, cartilage maintains joint stability and reduces friction during movement, enabling smooth articulation of bones.

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • A: Tendons - Connect muscles to bones, allowing movement but do not connect bones to bones.
  • B: Ligaments - Link bones to other bones for stability at joints but do not cushion them.
  • C: Areolar tissue - A loose connective tissue that supports organs, not specifically involved with bone connections.
  • D: Cartilage - Directly connects two bones at joints, providing flexibility and support.

⚑ Memory Hook (Mnemonic)

Remember: "Cartilage Connects" - reinforcing the idea that cartilage serves to connect and cushion bones.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

Illustrate a diagram of the knee joint, highlighting the cartilage layers on the ends of the femur and tibia, depicting their role in shock absorption and joint mobility.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Biology, Chapter 5 (Morphology of Flowering Plants).

Question 10 of 10 Authentic UPSC NDA Question

Which one of the following is the correctsequence in increasing complexity?

Step-by-Step Logic & Solution

Correct Answer

βœ“ Option D is correct. Proteins are the simplest, leading to tissues, then organs, and finally organisms as complexity increases.

πŸ“– Core Biological Concept

Understanding biological organization is crucial: from proteins, the basic building blocks, to complex organisms composed of various systems.

πŸ”¬ Anatomical & Physiological Mechanism

  • Proteins: Chains of amino acids, vital for cellular functions.
  • Tissues: Groups of similar cells working together (e.g., muscle, nerve).
  • Organs: Structures composed of different tissues (e.g., heart, lungs) performing specific functions.
  • Organisms: Complete living entities having multiple organ systems (e.g., human, plant).

πŸ” Option Analysis

  • Option A: Incorrect order as tissues should come before organs.
  • Option B: Incorrect; organs cannot precede tissues.
  • Option C: Incorrect order as organs must follow tissues.

⚑ Memory Hook (Mnemonic)

To remember the order, think of "P.T.O.O" - Protein, Tissue, Organ, Organism.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A flowchart depicting biological organization, showing the relationship and sequence from proteins to organisms, illustrating how each level builds upon the previous one.

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference

πŸ“– Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Biology, Chapter on Human Physiology and Plant Biology.

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