Q33
1 markMCQSection B

The following vegetables are kept in a basket: Potato, Tomato, Radish, Brinjal, Carrot, Bottle-gourd. Which two of these vegetables correctly represent the homologous structures?

Also asked in:2017
Heredity
Homologous structures in plants

Options

(A)Carrot and Tomato
(B)Potato and Brinjal
(C)Radish and Carrot
(D)Radish and Bottle-gourd
Official Answer

The correct option is C (Radish and Carrot).

modified rootshomologous structurescommon originRadish and Carrot

Marking Scheme

  • 11 mark

Hint

Identify which two vegetables are modifications of the same plant organ (root, stem, or leaf).

Quick Oral Answer

Radish and Carrot are homologous structures because both are evolutionary modifications of the root system of plants, sharing a common structural origin.

Analysis & Explanation

Homologous structures are organs or parts of different organisms that share a common structural design and evolutionary origin, even though they may perform different functions or look slightly different.


  • Radish and Carrot are both modified roots designed for food storage. Since they share the same anatomical origin (root system), they represent homologous structures.
  • Potato is a modified stem (tuber), whereas Carrot and Radish are modified roots. Therefore, Potato and Carrot/Radish are analogous structures (different origin, similar storage function).
  • Tomato and Brinjal are fruits (developed from the ovary of a flower) and do not share root homology with carrots or radishes.

Thus, Radish and Carrot are the correct pair of homologous structures.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Confusing Potato and Carrot as homologous because both grow underground; however, Potato is a stem modification and Carrot is a root modification (making them analogous).

Interesting Facts

Sweet potato and potato are also analogous structures because sweet potato is a root modification while potato is a stem modification, despite both serving the same storage function underground!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2017?

This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Heredity" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Homologous structures in plants" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

Has this question appeared in other CBSE Science papers?

Yes, a similar question appeared in the 2017 CBSE Class 10 Science paper.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 paper?

This is a MCQ question from Section B in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2017 paper.