🌿 Getting to Know Plants Class 6 Questions and Answers
NCERT Chapter 7 with Detailed Solutions
Master Getting to Know Plants for Class 6 Science with comprehensive questions and answers covering herbs, shrubs, trees, roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and photosynthesis. Each answer is explained in simple, student-friendly language for CBSE exams.
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Getting to Know Plants — Questions & Answers
NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 7Question 1
What is the flat green portion of a leaf called?
✅ Answer:
The flat green portion of a leaf is called the lamina or leaf blade [citation:13][citation:14].
Question 2
Define venation.
✅ Answer:
Venation is the pattern or design made by the veins on the leaf lamina [citation:13][citation:14].
Question 3
Name the tiny openings on the surface of a leaf.
✅ Answer:
The tiny openings on the surface of a leaf are called stomata [citation:13][citation:14].
Question 4
What is transpiration?
✅ Answer:
Transpiration is the loss of water in the form of water vapour from the leaves through stomata [citation:13][citation:14].
Question 5
Name the two systems of a flowering plant.
✅ Answer:
The two systems of a flowering plant are the root system and the shoot system [citation:14].
Question 6
What are creepers?
✅ Answer:
Creepers are plants with weak stems that cannot stand straight and spread on the ground [citation:14].
Question 7
What are climbers?
✅ Answer:
Climbers are plants with weak stems that take support of neighbouring structures to climb up [citation:14].
Question 8
Name the male reproductive organ of a flower.
✅ Answer:
The male reproductive organ of a flower is the stamen [citation:14].
Question 9
Give an example of a leaf having reticulate venation.
✅ Answer:
Mango leaf has reticulate venation [citation:14].
Question 10
Which part of the plant is called the food factory?
✅ Answer:
Leaves are called the food factory of the plant because photosynthesis takes place there [citation:14].
Question 11
What is the function of root hairs?
✅ Answer:
Root hairs help the plant absorb water and minerals from the soil [citation:17].
Question 12
Name the part of a flower that develops into a fruit.
✅ Answer:
The ovary develops into a fruit after fertilization [citation:14].
Question 13
Name the female reproductive part of a flower.
✅ Answer:
The female reproductive part of a flower is the pistil or carpel [citation:14].
Question 14
What are lateral roots?
✅ Answer:
The smaller roots that grow on the main taproot are called lateral roots [citation:2].
Question 15
Name the green pigment present in leaves.
✅ Answer:
The green pigment present in leaves is chlorophyll [citation:15].
Question 16
What is the function of the stem?
✅ Answer:
The stem holds the plant upright, conducts water, and transports food to different parts [citation:4].
Question 17
Name the part of the leaf that attaches it to the stem.
✅ Answer:
The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem [citation:2].
Question 18
What are herbs?
✅ Answer:
Herbs are small plants with soft, green, and tender stems [citation:2].
Question 19
Give two examples of trees.
✅ Answer:
Two examples of trees are Mango and Banyan [citation:4].
Question 20
What is a taproot?
✅ Answer:
A taproot is a root system with one main root from which smaller lateral roots grow [citation:1][citation:5].
Question 21
What are fibrous roots?
✅ Answer:
Fibrous roots are a bunch of thin, fibre-like roots of similar size growing from the base of the stem [citation:13].
Question 22
Name the part of the flower that protects it in the bud stage.
✅ Answer:
The sepals protect the flower in the bud stage [citation:2].
Question 23
What is the function of petals?
✅ Answer:
Petals attract insects for pollination with their bright colours and fragrance [citation:2][citation:14].
Question 24
What are weeds?
✅ Answer:
Weeds are unwanted plants that grow in fields with main crops, like grass [citation:2].
Question 25
Name the part of the plant that absorbs water and minerals.
✅ Answer:
Roots absorb water and minerals from the soil [citation:2].
Question 26
What is a shrub?
✅ Answer:
A shrub is a medium-sized plant with hard, bushy stems that branch near the base [citation:15].
Question 27
Give two examples of shrubs.
✅ Answer:
Two examples of shrubs are Rose and Lemon [citation:1][citation:15].
Question 28
What is the main function of leaves?
✅ Answer:
The main function of leaves is to prepare food through photosynthesis [citation:15].
Question 29
Name the part of the plant that carries food to all parts.
✅ Answer:
The stem carries food from leaves to all parts of the plant [citation:2].
Question 30
What is the function of veins in a leaf?
✅ Answer:
Veins transport water, minerals, and food and provide support to the leaf [citation:1][citation:15].
Question 1
What is the difference between a shrub and a tree? Give one example of each.
✅ Answer:
Shrub: A shrub is a medium-sized plant with a hard but thin stem. Its branches arise from the base of the stem. Example: Rose
Tree: A tree is a tall and large plant with a hard, thick, and woody stem called a trunk. Its branches arise from the stem at a certain height above the ground. Example: Mango [citation:1][citation:2]
Tree: A tree is a tall and large plant with a hard, thick, and woody stem called a trunk. Its branches arise from the stem at a certain height above the ground. Example: Mango [citation:1][citation:2]
Question 2
How can you identify the root system of a plant without pulling it out of the soil?
✅ Answer:
We can identify the root system by looking at the venation of its leaves. Plants with reticulate venation (net-like veins) have taproots, while plants with parallel venation have fibrous roots [citation:2][citation:4].
Question 3
What is photosynthesis? Which parts of the plant are involved in it?
✅ Answer:
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants prepare their own food using water and carbon dioxide in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll [citation:15].
The parts involved are:
The parts involved are:
- Leaves - contain chlorophyll and are the main site
- Stomata - tiny pores on leaves that take in carbon dioxide
- Roots - absorb water from the soil
- Stem - transports water from roots to leaves
Question 4
What are the main functions of roots?
✅ Answer:
The main functions of roots are:
- They anchor the plant firmly to the soil.
- They absorb water and minerals from the soil.
- They conduct absorbed water and minerals to the stem.
- Some roots store food (e.g., carrot, radish).
- They help bind soil particles and prevent soil erosion [citation:1][citation:10].
Question 5
What are the parts of a flower?
✅ Answer:
A typical flower has four main parts:
- Sepals: The outermost green, leaf-like parts that protect the bud.
- Petals: The brightly coloured parts that attract insects.
- Stamens: The male reproductive parts consisting of anther and filament.
- Pistil: The female reproductive part consisting of stigma, style, and ovary [citation:4][citation:14].
Question 6
Explain the difference between taproots and fibrous roots.
✅ Answer:
Taproots: Have one main root from which smaller lateral roots grow. They go deep into the soil. Examples: Carrot, Radish, Mustard
Fibrous roots: A bunch of thin, similar-sized roots growing from the base of the stem. They do not go very deep. Examples: Grass, Wheat, Maize [citation:1][citation:2][citation:10]
Fibrous roots: A bunch of thin, similar-sized roots growing from the base of the stem. They do not go very deep. Examples: Grass, Wheat, Maize [citation:1][citation:2][citation:10]
Question 7
What is pollination? Name three agents of pollination.
✅ Answer:
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther (male part) to the stigma (female part) of a flower [citation:14].
Three agents of pollination are:
Three agents of pollination are:
- Insects (bees, butterflies)
- Wind
- Water [citation:5][citation:13]
Question 8
What is fertilization? Where does it occur in a flower?
✅ Answer:
Fertilization is the fusion of male and female sex cells (gametes) to form a zygote [citation:13][citation:14].
In a flower, fertilization occurs inside the ovary. The male gametes from pollen grains travel through the pollen tube to reach the ovules in the ovary [citation:14].
In a flower, fertilization occurs inside the ovary. The male gametes from pollen grains travel through the pollen tube to reach the ovules in the ovary [citation:14].
Question 9
Write two functions of the stem.
✅ Answer:
Two main functions of the stem are:
- It conducts water and minerals from the roots to the leaves and other parts (upward).
- It conducts food prepared by the leaves to other parts of the plant (downward) [citation:2][citation:4].
Question 10
What is the function of xylem and phloem in plants?
✅ Answer:
Xylem: Transports water and minerals from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plant.
Phloem: Transports food prepared by the leaves to all other parts of the plant [citation:3][citation:15].
Phloem: Transports food prepared by the leaves to all other parts of the plant [citation:3][citation:15].
Question 11
What are the functions of sepals and petals?
✅ Answer:
Sepals: They protect the inner parts of the flower when it is in the bud stage [citation:2].
Petals: They attract insects for pollination with their bright colours and fragrance [citation:2][citation:14].
Petals: They attract insects for pollination with their bright colours and fragrance [citation:2][citation:14].
Question 12
How do leaves help in the process of transpiration?
✅ Answer:
Leaves have tiny pores called stomata on their surface. The extra water absorbed by the roots is released as water vapour through these stomata. This process is called transpiration [citation:13][citation:15].
Question 13
Name the parts of a leaf. What is the function of the midrib?
✅ Answer:
Parts of a leaf: Petiole (stalk), Lamina (flat green part), Veins (transport tubes), and Midrib (central vein) [citation:13].
The midrib is the thick central vein that provides support and is the main supplier of water and minerals to the leaf [citation:13].
The midrib is the thick central vein that provides support and is the main supplier of water and minerals to the leaf [citation:13].
Question 14
What are the functions of the root hairs?
✅ Answer:
Root hairs are fine, hair-like structures on the roots. Their main function is to increase the surface area for absorption of water and minerals from the soil [citation:7][citation:17].
Question 15
What is the difference between creepers and climbers?
✅ Answer:
Creepers: Plants with weak stems that spread along the ground and cannot stand upright. Examples: Watermelon, Pumpkin
Climbers: Plants with weak stems that take support of other structures to climb up. Examples: Grapevine, Pea [citation:1][citation:12][citation:14]
Climbers: Plants with weak stems that take support of other structures to climb up. Examples: Grapevine, Pea [citation:1][citation:12][citation:14]
Question 1
Explain the structure of a typical flower with the help of its parts and their functions.
✅ Answer:
A typical flower has four main parts arranged in whorls:
1. Sepals (Calyx): These are the outermost, green, leaf-like structures. They protect the flower in the bud stage [citation:2].
2. Petals (Corolla): These are brightly coloured, leaf-like structures inside the sepals. They attract insects for pollination through colour and fragrance [citation:2][citation:14].
3. Stamens (Androecium): These are the male reproductive organs. Each stamen has:
1. Sepals (Calyx): These are the outermost, green, leaf-like structures. They protect the flower in the bud stage [citation:2].
2. Petals (Corolla): These are brightly coloured, leaf-like structures inside the sepals. They attract insects for pollination through colour and fragrance [citation:2][citation:14].
3. Stamens (Androecium): These are the male reproductive organs. Each stamen has:
- Anther: Produces yellow powdery pollen grains
- Filament: The stalk that supports the anther [citation:14]
- Stigma: The sticky top part that receives pollen grains
- Style: The tube connecting stigma to ovary
- Ovary: The swollen base containing ovules [citation:14]
Question 2
Explain the process of photosynthesis in detail. What are the necessary conditions for it?
✅ Answer:
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants prepare their own food. It occurs mainly in the leaves [citation:15].
Necessary conditions:
The roots absorb water from the soil. The stem carries this water to the leaves. The leaves take in carbon dioxide from the air through stomata. In the presence of sunlight, chlorophyll traps light energy and uses it to combine water and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (food). Oxygen is released as a byproduct through stomata [citation:13][citation:15].
Equation:
Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight → Glucose + Oxygen
The food prepared is stored as starch in different parts of the plant [citation:1].
Necessary conditions:
- Sunlight: Provides energy
- Chlorophyll: Green pigment that traps sunlight
- Carbon dioxide: Taken from air through stomata
- Water: Absorbed by roots from the soil
The roots absorb water from the soil. The stem carries this water to the leaves. The leaves take in carbon dioxide from the air through stomata. In the presence of sunlight, chlorophyll traps light energy and uses it to combine water and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (food). Oxygen is released as a byproduct through stomata [citation:13][citation:15].
Equation:
Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight → Glucose + Oxygen
The food prepared is stored as starch in different parts of the plant [citation:1].
Question 3
Explain an activity to show that the stem conducts water in plants.
✅ Answer:
Activity to demonstrate water conduction in stem:
Materials needed:
The next day, you will see thin red lines running through the stem and leaves. If the plant has white flowers, red lines may appear on the petals too [citation:1][citation:2].
Conclusion:
This activity shows that the stem conducts water from the roots to all parts of the plant through the xylem [citation:2][citation:15].
Materials needed:
- A glass or beaker
- Water
- Red ink
- A small herb plant (like balsam or any leafy plant)
- Fill the glass half with water.
- Add a few drops of red ink to the water and stir well.
- Cut the stem of the plant at its base.
- Place the plant in the colored water.
- Leave it for a day.
The next day, you will see thin red lines running through the stem and leaves. If the plant has white flowers, red lines may appear on the petals too [citation:1][citation:2].
Conclusion:
This activity shows that the stem conducts water from the roots to all parts of the plant through the xylem [citation:2][citation:15].
Question 4
Explain the process of seed formation after fertilization in a flower.
✅ Answer:
After pollination, pollen grains land on the stigma. The pollen grain germinates and forms a pollen tube that grows through the style and reaches the ovule in the ovary [citation:14].
Fertilization: The male gamete from the pollen grain fuses with the female gamete (egg) in the ovule. This fusion is called fertilization [citation:14].
After fertilization:
This process ensures the continuation of the plant species.
Fertilization: The male gamete from the pollen grain fuses with the female gamete (egg) in the ovule. This fusion is called fertilization [citation:14].
After fertilization:
- The ovule develops into a seed.
- The ovary develops into a fruit.
- The petals, stamens, and sepals wither and fall off.
This process ensures the continuation of the plant species.
Question 5
Describe the different types of plants based on their size and stem characteristics. Give examples for each.
✅ Answer:
Plants are classified into three main categories based on their size and stem characteristics:
1. Herbs:
These are small plants with soft, green, and tender stems. They usually have few branches and live for one or two seasons.
Examples: Tomato, Wheat, Grass, Mustard [citation:2][citation:15]
2. Shrubs:
These are medium-sized plants with hard, bushy stems. Their branches arise from near the base of the stem.
Examples: Rose, Lemon, Henna, Bougainvillea [citation:1][citation:15]
3. Trees:
These are tall and large plants with hard, thick, and woody stems called trunks. They live for many years.
Examples: Mango, Banyan, Peepal, Neem [citation:1][citation:15]
Additionally, there are two special categories:
Creepers: Weak-stemmed plants that spread on the ground. Examples: Watermelon, Pumpkin
Climbers: Weak-stemmed plants that take support to climb. Examples: Grapevine, Pea [citation:1][citation:12]
1. Herbs:
These are small plants with soft, green, and tender stems. They usually have few branches and live for one or two seasons.
Examples: Tomato, Wheat, Grass, Mustard [citation:2][citation:15]
2. Shrubs:
These are medium-sized plants with hard, bushy stems. Their branches arise from near the base of the stem.
Examples: Rose, Lemon, Henna, Bougainvillea [citation:1][citation:15]
3. Trees:
These are tall and large plants with hard, thick, and woody stems called trunks. They live for many years.
Examples: Mango, Banyan, Peepal, Neem [citation:1][citation:15]
Additionally, there are two special categories:
Creepers: Weak-stemmed plants that spread on the ground. Examples: Watermelon, Pumpkin
Climbers: Weak-stemmed plants that take support to climb. Examples: Grapevine, Pea [citation:1][citation:12]
Question 6
How can you test the presence of starch in a leaf? Explain the steps.
✅ Answer:
Test to detect starch in a leaf:
Steps:
If the leaf turns blue-black, it shows the presence of starch. This proves that the leaf has prepared food through photosynthesis [citation:2].
Note: If the leaf is taken from a plant kept in the dark for a few days, it will NOT turn blue-black because all the starch would have been used up and no new starch is made without sunlight [citation:2].
Steps:
- Take a healthy green leaf from a plant that has been exposed to sunlight for a few hours.
- Boil the leaf in water for a few minutes to break down the cell walls.
- Now boil the leaf in alcohol (spirit) using a water bath. This removes the green colour (chlorophyll) from the leaf.
- The leaf becomes pale or whitish.
- Wash the leaf with water and spread it on a petri dish.
- Add a few drops of iodine solution to the leaf.
If the leaf turns blue-black, it shows the presence of starch. This proves that the leaf has prepared food through photosynthesis [citation:2].
Note: If the leaf is taken from a plant kept in the dark for a few days, it will NOT turn blue-black because all the starch would have been used up and no new starch is made without sunlight [citation:2].
Question 7
Compare taproots and fibrous roots. Also explain how root systems are related to leaf venation.
✅ Answer:
Comparison of Taproots and Fibrous Roots:
Relation with Leaf Venation:
There is a general correlation between leaf venation and root type:
| Taproots | Fibrous Roots |
|---|---|
| One main long root with lateral branches | Many thin roots of similar size from the base |
| Go deep into the soil | Do not go very deep |
| Found in dicots | Found in monocots |
| Examples: Carrot, Radish, Mustard | Examples: Grass, Wheat, Maize |
Relation with Leaf Venation:
There is a general correlation between leaf venation and root type:
- Plants with reticulate venation (net-like veins) have taproots.
- Plants with parallel venation have fibrous roots.
Question 8
What are the different functions performed by leaves?
✅ Answer:
Leaves perform several important functions for the plant:
1. Photosynthesis: The primary function of leaves is to prepare food for the plant. They use sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and chlorophyll to produce glucose and release oxygen [citation:15].
2. Transpiration: Leaves lose excess water as water vapour through tiny pores called stomata. This process helps in the upward movement of water and minerals in the plant [citation:13][citation:15].
3. Gas Exchange: Leaves take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen through stomata during photosynthesis. During respiration, they take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide [citation:15].
4. Storage: Some leaves store food and water, especially in succulent plants [citation:1].
1. Photosynthesis: The primary function of leaves is to prepare food for the plant. They use sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and chlorophyll to produce glucose and release oxygen [citation:15].
2. Transpiration: Leaves lose excess water as water vapour through tiny pores called stomata. This process helps in the upward movement of water and minerals in the plant [citation:13][citation:15].
3. Gas Exchange: Leaves take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen through stomata during photosynthesis. During respiration, they take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide [citation:15].
4. Storage: Some leaves store food and water, especially in succulent plants [citation:1].
Question 9
Explain the two-way transport function of the stem. Why is the stem compared to a "two-way street"?
✅ Answer:
The stem performs two-way transport in plants:
Upward Transport:
The stem carries water and minerals absorbed by the roots upward to the leaves, flowers, and fruits. This happens through special tubes called xylem [citation:15].
Downward Transport:
The stem carries food prepared by the leaves downward to the roots, stems, and storage organs. This happens through special tubes called phloem [citation:15].
Why "Two-Way Street":
The stem is compared to a two-way street because traffic (materials) moves in both directions — water and minerals go up while food goes down. Just like a two-way road allows vehicles to travel in both directions, the stem allows materials to move up and down simultaneously [citation:15].
Upward Transport:
The stem carries water and minerals absorbed by the roots upward to the leaves, flowers, and fruits. This happens through special tubes called xylem [citation:15].
Downward Transport:
The stem carries food prepared by the leaves downward to the roots, stems, and storage organs. This happens through special tubes called phloem [citation:15].
Why "Two-Way Street":
The stem is compared to a two-way street because traffic (materials) moves in both directions — water and minerals go up while food goes down. Just like a two-way road allows vehicles to travel in both directions, the stem allows materials to move up and down simultaneously [citation:15].
Question 10
Describe the different parts of a leaf and explain how the leaf is adapted for photosynthesis.
✅ Answer:
Parts of a Leaf:
1. Petiole: The stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem. It holds the leaf in a position to receive maximum sunlight [citation:2].
2. Lamina: The flat, green, expanded part of the leaf. It is the main site of photosynthesis [citation:13].
3. Midrib: The thick central vein running through the lamina. It provides support and transports water and minerals [citation:13].
4. Veins: Smaller branches from the midrib. They contain xylem and phloem for transport of water, minerals, and food. They also provide support [citation:15].
5. Stomata: Tiny pores on the leaf surface that allow gas exchange (carbon dioxide in, oxygen out) and transpiration [citation:13].
Adaptations of Leaf for Photosynthesis:
1. Petiole: The stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem. It holds the leaf in a position to receive maximum sunlight [citation:2].
2. Lamina: The flat, green, expanded part of the leaf. It is the main site of photosynthesis [citation:13].
3. Midrib: The thick central vein running through the lamina. It provides support and transports water and minerals [citation:13].
4. Veins: Smaller branches from the midrib. They contain xylem and phloem for transport of water, minerals, and food. They also provide support [citation:15].
5. Stomata: Tiny pores on the leaf surface that allow gas exchange (carbon dioxide in, oxygen out) and transpiration [citation:13].
Adaptations of Leaf for Photosynthesis:
- Broad, flat shape: Provides large surface area to capture maximum sunlight.
- Green colour (chlorophyll): Traps light energy needed for photosynthesis.
- Thin structure: Allows carbon dioxide to reach cells easily.
- Presence of stomata: Enables gas exchange with the atmosphere.
- Veins with xylem and phloem: Transport water and food to and from the leaf [citation:15].
📘 Quick Revision: Getting to Know Plants
- Plants are classified into herbs (soft stems), shrubs (bushy, medium), and trees (tall, woody trunk).
- Creepers spread on the ground; climbers take support to climb.
- Roots anchor the plant, absorb water and minerals. Two types: taproot and fibrous root.
- Stem transports water (upward) and food (downward), provides support.
- Leaves perform photosynthesis, transpiration, and gas exchange.
- Flowers are reproductive organs: sepals (protect), petals (attract), stamens (male), pistil (female).
- Fertilization forms seeds; ovary becomes fruit.