BIOLOGY 1108 EXAM 2 QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
SOLUTIONS – UPDATED 2026 VERSION
GUARANTEED SUCCESS
What are the fundamental physical and functional traits that define "plantness"?
✔✔ The essence of a plant lies in its ability to perform photosynthesis via
chloroplasts, a root system that provides stability and nutrient absorption,
and a branching growth pattern designed to maximize the collection of
sunlight and water.
What are the defining biological characteristics of Kingdom Plantae?
✔✔ Members of this kingdom are multicellular eukaryotes and
photosynthetic autotrophs. Their cells are encased in cellulose-based walls and
contain specific light-harvesting pigments, including chlorophyll a,
chlorophyll b, and carotenoids.
Which group is considered the closest relative to modern land plants?
✔✔ Charophytes, a type of green algae, are recognized as the sister group to
all land plants.
What specific cellular and genetic traits are shared between land plants and
charophytes?
✔✔ Both groups possess rosette-shaped complexes for cellulose synthesis,
specific enzymes within their peroxisomes, and the formation of a
phragmoplast during cell division. Additionally, they share a similar genetic
code within their nuclei and chloroplasts, as well as a comparable structure in
their flagellated sperm.
, Cell wall -ANSWER✔✔Thick, inflexible, strong, waterproof
*cellulose fibrils
*other biomolecules (pectins, hemicellulose, lignin, etc)
Challenge: water supply, dessication -ANSWER✔✔Solution:
*vacuoles (store water)
*stomata (regulate water loss
*root system (more complex)
Challenge: gravity -ANSWER✔✔Solution: cellulose, vascular tissue, cell wall
Challenge: too much sunlight -ANSWER✔✔Solution: Evaporative cooling
Challenge: photosynthesis on land -ANSWER✔✔Solution: Pigment type
Challenge: fertilization and dispersal -ANSWER✔✔Solution:
*flagellated sperm (need water)
*seeds (protective covering)
Natural selection requirements -ANSWER✔✔1. Variation in traits (individually)
2. Heritability
3. Reproduction
4. Differential survival and reproduction
AND ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
SOLUTIONS – UPDATED 2026 VERSION
GUARANTEED SUCCESS
What are the fundamental physical and functional traits that define "plantness"?
✔✔ The essence of a plant lies in its ability to perform photosynthesis via
chloroplasts, a root system that provides stability and nutrient absorption,
and a branching growth pattern designed to maximize the collection of
sunlight and water.
What are the defining biological characteristics of Kingdom Plantae?
✔✔ Members of this kingdom are multicellular eukaryotes and
photosynthetic autotrophs. Their cells are encased in cellulose-based walls and
contain specific light-harvesting pigments, including chlorophyll a,
chlorophyll b, and carotenoids.
Which group is considered the closest relative to modern land plants?
✔✔ Charophytes, a type of green algae, are recognized as the sister group to
all land plants.
What specific cellular and genetic traits are shared between land plants and
charophytes?
✔✔ Both groups possess rosette-shaped complexes for cellulose synthesis,
specific enzymes within their peroxisomes, and the formation of a
phragmoplast during cell division. Additionally, they share a similar genetic
code within their nuclei and chloroplasts, as well as a comparable structure in
their flagellated sperm.
, Cell wall -ANSWER✔✔Thick, inflexible, strong, waterproof
*cellulose fibrils
*other biomolecules (pectins, hemicellulose, lignin, etc)
Challenge: water supply, dessication -ANSWER✔✔Solution:
*vacuoles (store water)
*stomata (regulate water loss
*root system (more complex)
Challenge: gravity -ANSWER✔✔Solution: cellulose, vascular tissue, cell wall
Challenge: too much sunlight -ANSWER✔✔Solution: Evaporative cooling
Challenge: photosynthesis on land -ANSWER✔✔Solution: Pigment type
Challenge: fertilization and dispersal -ANSWER✔✔Solution:
*flagellated sperm (need water)
*seeds (protective covering)
Natural selection requirements -ANSWER✔✔1. Variation in traits (individually)
2. Heritability
3. Reproduction
4. Differential survival and reproduction
