Using your understanding of the function of chloroplasts and specialized cells, infer why plant root cells lack chloroplasts.(1 point)
Responses
Root cells have many mitochondria.
Root cells have many mitochondria.
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 lack chloroplasts because they are underground and are not exposed to sunlight. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Since roots are located underground where sunlight does not reach, there is no need for root cells to have chloroplasts. Instead, root cells focus on functions like nutrient absorption and storage, which are supported by the large presence of mitochondria and central vacuoles in these cells.
The correct answer is: Roots are underground and are not exposed to sunlight.
To arrive at this answer, we can consider the function of chloroplasts and the conditions necessary for their function. Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells that are responsible for photosynthesis, the process through which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy-rich molecules like glucose.
In order for photosynthesis to occur, chloroplasts require energy from sunlight. Since roots are underground and are not exposed to sunlight, they do not have the necessary light energy to carry out photosynthesis. As a result, root cells do not have chloroplasts.
It's worth noting that root cells play a different role in the plant compared to other cells like leaf cells. While leaf cells are responsible for carrying out photosynthesis and producing food for the plant, root cells are primarily involved in absorption of water, nutrients, and anchoring the plant in the ground. These functions do not rely on the presence of chloroplasts.