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Question #45924
The Question
A researcher observes two strains of a xerophytic plant under severe drought stress. Strain X is wild-type, while Strain Y has a targeted mutation inhibiting -oxidation of lipids. Despite Strain Y possessing intact Kranz anatomy and normal PEP carboxylase activity, it exhibits rapid wilting and cellular desiccation compared to Strain X. Which of the following best explains the physiological failure in Strain Y?
Options
- A.
Inability to generate sufficient metabolic water from lipid catabolism to buffer transpirational losses.
- B.
Failure to produce adequate ATP from lipid breakdown required for the regeneration of PEP in mesophyll cells.
- C.
Increased photorespiration due to the lack of lipid-derived required to saturate RuBisCO in the bundle sheath.
- D.
Accumulation of toxic lipid intermediates that directly inhibit the decarboxylation of malate in the bundle sheath.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Metabolic_Water_Formation|C4_Pathway_Efficiency|Photorespiration
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often compartmentalize plant physiology, studying photosynthesis strictly under 'Photosynthesis' and metabolic water strictly under 'Respiration'.
The trap assumes students will attribute the failure to a direct photosynthetic defect (like ATP for PEP regeneration or supply) rather than recognizing the ecological role of respiratory metabolic water in xerophytic survival.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Respiration in Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Metabolic Water Formation |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |