In an experiment, a student removes all the leaves off a geranium plant. Several days later the student notices new leaves, growing from the stem which source of energy is needed for the new leaves to grow.

Question

A) starch stored in the roots
B) water absorbed by the root
C) fertilizer, absorbed by the roots
D) photosynthesis occurring in the roots

Answer 1

The correct answer is A) starch stored in the roots. When the leaves are removed from a plant, it is unable to carry out photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants produce glucose (which can be stored as starch) using energy from the sun. However, the plant can still obtain energy from the stored starch in its roots to produce new leaves and continue its growth.