Experiment: Two glasses were filled with water. One had detergent added and both were used to water plants over 5 days.Observation: Plants watered with detergent showed wilting and reduced growth.Question: What is the likely explanation?

Correct answer: C. Detergents disrupt cell membranes and root absorption.

  • A. Plants use detergents for photosynthesis.
  • B. Detergents stimulate plant growth hormones.
  • C. Detergents disrupt cell membranes and root absorption.
  • D. No effect is expected from detergent in water.

Explanation

The correct answer is Option C: Detergents disrupt cell membranes and root absorption. The observation of wilting and reduced growth in plants watered with detergent indicates that the detergent interferes with the normal functioning of plant cells by disrupting cell membranes and root absorption. This disrupts the plant's ability to take up water and nutrients, leading to the observed negative effects on plant health. The other options are incorrect because plants do not use detergents for photosynthesis, detergents do not stimulate plant growth hormones, and the presence of detergent in water does have an effect on plant health as shown in the experiment.

Last updated

Related questions