(a) Name the reproductive and non-reproductive parts of bread mould (Rhizopus).
(b) List any two advantages of vegetative propagation.
(a) Name the reproductive and non-reproductive parts of bread mould (Rhizopus).
(b) List any two advantages of vegetative propagation.
(a) Parts of Bread Mould (Rhizopus):
- Non-reproductive part: The thread-like structures called hyphae.
- Reproductive part: The tiny blob-on-a-stick structures called sporangia (which contain reproductive cells called spores).
(b) Advantages of Vegetative Propagation (any two):
- Earlier flowering and fruiting: Plants raised by vegetative propagation can bear flowers and fruits earlier than those produced from seeds.
- Propagation of seedless plants: It makes possible the propagation of plants like banana, orange, rose, and jasmine that have lost the capacity to produce seeds.
- Genetic similarity: All plants produced are genetically similar enough to the parent plant to have all its characteristics.
Marking Scheme
- 1For correctly naming the non-reproductive part (hyphae) and reproductive part (sporangia/spores): 1 Mark (0.5 mark each)
- 2For listing any two valid advantages of vegetative propagation: 1 Mark (0.5 mark each)
Hint
Recall the 'blob-on-a-stick' structures from the bread mould experiment, and think about why farmers prefer growing sugarcane or roses using stem cuttings instead of seeds.
Quick Oral Answer
In Rhizopus, the non-reproductive parts are the thread-like hyphae, and the reproductive parts are the sporangia containing spores. Two advantages of vegetative propagation are that it allows the growth of seedless plants and produces genetically identical offspring.
Analysis & Explanation
In Rhizopus, the vegetative body consists of a network of hyphae which absorb nutrients from the substrate (like moist bread). The reproductive phase is marked by the formation of erect sporangiophores bearing sporangia at their tips. Inside these sporangia, numerous spores are formed by multiple divisions. These spores are protected by thick walls until they find a suitable moist surface to germinate.
Vegetative propagation is an asexual method of reproduction in plants where vegetative parts like roots, stems, or leaves give rise to new plants. This is highly beneficial in agriculture (e.g., grafting, layering) because it preserves desirable parental traits exactly (clones) and allows rapid multiplication of plants that cannot produce viable seeds.
Common Mistakes
- 1Students often write 'roots' or 'stems' as the non-reproductive parts of Rhizopus, forgetting that Rhizopus is a fungus and has hyphae.
- 2Confusing sporangia with spores; sporangia are the structures (blobs) that contain the spores.
Interesting Facts
The spores of Rhizopus are present all around us in the air, but they only germinate when they land on a moist, organic surface like a slice of bread left in a dark, cool place!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2022?
This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2022 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "How do Organisms Reproduce?" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Asexual Reproduction" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2022 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2022 paper.