Question

How can you explain the presence of chloroplasts in Elodea but not in the onion epidermis?

a) Elodea and onion have different functions for their cells.
b) Elodea is a water plant, while onions grow underground.
c) Chloroplasts are present in Elodea because it performs photosynthesis.
d) Onion cells lack chloroplasts because they do not need to photosynthesize.

Answer 1

Chloroplasts are present in Elodea due to its photosynthetic abilities, while onion epidermal cells lack them as they do not photosynthesize.

Step-by-step explanation:

The presence of chloroplasts in Elodea but not in the onion epidermis can be explained by their different roles and environments. Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis, a process where carbon dioxide, water, and light energy are converted into glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for autotrophic organisms like Elodea, a water plant that requires chloroplasts for producing its own food. On the other hand, onion cells, particularly those from the epidermis, generally do not perform photosynthesis as onions often grow underground and rely on nutrients stored in their bulbs, which is why they lack chloroplasts. Therefore, the correct explanation for the difference is (c) Chloroplasts are present in Elodea because it performs photosynthesis, and (d) Onion cells lack chloroplasts because they do not need to photosynthesize.