Morphology of Flowering Plants — Class 11 Biology NCERT Solutions (Free)

Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 11 Biology chapter "Morphology of Flowering Plants" — 8 important questions with detailed answers for CBSE board exam preparation.

TL;DR: Free step-by-step NCERT solutions for Class 11 Biology chapter "Morphology of Flowering Plants" — 8 important questions with detailed answers for CBSE…

By Syllab.in · Updated Jun 14, 2026

Key Questions Covered:

Define a root and state its primary functions.
Distinguish between taproot and fibrous root systems with examples.
What are root hairs and what is their role?
Describe the external morphology of a typical leaf including petiole, lamina,…
What is a compound leaf? How does it differ from a simple leaf?
Describe the modifications of stem and give examples (5-mark answer).
+ 2 more questions in the full chapter

Solutions Summary:

Question	Status
Define a root and state its primary functions.	✓ Solved
Distinguish between taproot and fibrous root systems with…	✓ Solved
What are root hairs and what is their role?	✓ Solved
Describe the external morphology of a typical leaf includ…	✓ Solved
What is a compound leaf? How does it differ from a simple…	✓ Solved
Describe the modifications of stem and give examples (5-m…	✓ Solved

Showing 6 of 8 questions

Q1: Define a root and state its primary functions.

A root is an underground vegetative organ that typically grows downward (positive geotropism). Primary functions: 1. Absorption of water and mineral nutrients from soil. 2. Anchoring the plant firmly in soil. 3. Storage of food reserves (in some plants like carrots). 4. Synthesis of plant hormones like cytokinins and abscisic acid.

Q2: Distinguish between taproot and fibrous root systems with examples.

Taproot system: - One main primary root with lateral branches (secondary and tertiary roots). - Deep penetration into soil; reaches deeper soil layers and water sources. - Examples: Dicots like bean, pea, carrot, neem. Fibrous root system: - Numerous roots of similar size arising from the base of the stem. - Shallow, spreading root system covering large soil surface area. - Better for absorbing moisture from upper soil layers. - Examples: Monocots like wheat, rice, maize, grass.

Q3: What are root hairs and what is their role?

Root hairs are unicellular, thin-walled extensions of epidermal cells (trichoblasts) near the root tip. They are temporary structures, usually living for a few days to weeks. Role: 1. Dramatically increase surface area for absorption (up to 15 times more than root without hairs). 2. Absorb water and mineral nutrients from soil solution through osmosis and active transport. 3. Penetrate soil pores and establish intimate contact with soil particles. 4. The cytoplasm-rich cells are metabolically a...

Q4: Describe the external morphology of a typical leaf including petiole, lamina, and veins.

External morphology of a typical leaf: 1. Petiole (leaf stalk): The stalk connecting leaf blade to stem; conducts water and nutrients; may have a pulvinus (joint) enabling leaf movement. 2. Lamina (leaf blade): The flattened green photosynthetic portion, typically oval or lanceolate in shape. 3. Base: The region where petiole attaches to lamina; may be cuneate, cordate, or sagittate. 4. Apex: The tip of the lamina; may be acute, obtuse, or emarginate. 5. Margin: The edge of the lamina; may ...

Q5: What is a compound leaf? How does it differ from a simple leaf?

A compound leaf is a leaf blade divided into multiple separate leaflets, each with its own petiolule (small stalk), all arising from a common petiole. Differences from simple leaf: Simple leaf: - Blade is continuous, not divided into separate leaflets. - Abscission layer (where leaf detaches) is only at the petiole base. - Examples: Mango, guava. Compound leaf: - Blade divided into distinct leaflets arranged pinnately or palmately. - Abscission layers present at both petiole and petiolule bas...

Q6: Describe the modifications of stem and give examples (5-mark answer).

Modifications of stem are adaptations for different functions—storage, protection, photosynthesis, and support: 1. Underground modifications: a) Rhizome: Horizontal underground stem; produces roots and aerial shoots at nodes. Example: Ginger, turmeric, banana. b) Bulb: Underground stem with fleshy leaves storing food. Example: Onion, garlic, lily. c) Corm: Compact underground stem swollen with stored food. Example: Colocasia, crocus. d) Tuber: Swollen underground stem tip storing st...

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