Cell Structures Quick Check
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Question
Using your understanding of the function of chloroplasts and specialized cells, infer why plant root cells lack chloroplasts.(1 point)
Responses
Root cells have two central vacuoles.
Root cells have two central vacuoles.
Roots require fewer nutrients.
Roots require fewer nutrients.
Roots are underground and are not exposed to sunlight.
Roots are underground and are not exposed to sunlight.
Root cells have many mitochondria.
Root cells have many mitochondria.
The correct response is "Roots are underground and are not exposed to sunlight."
The correct answer is: "Roots are underground and are not exposed to sunlight."
To infer why plant root cells lack chloroplasts, we can consider the function of chloroplasts and the conditions required for their proper functioning. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy to produce glucose. In order for photosynthesis to occur, chloroplasts require sunlight.
Roots, on the other hand, are usually located underground where they are not directly exposed to sunlight. This means that root cells do not receive the necessary light energy to carry out photosynthesis. Therefore, it makes sense that plant root cells would lack chloroplasts since they do not have access to the sunlight required for photosynthesis.
Understanding the function and environmental requirements of chloroplasts and considering the conditions in which root cells are typically found allows us to infer why plant root cells lack chloroplasts - they are underground and not exposed to sunlight.