A scientist does a study in which he manipulates the presence of a microbe that lives in the plant roots. He shows that, when th

Question

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A scientist does a study in which he manipulates the presence of a microbe that lives in the plant roots. He shows that, when th

e microbe is present, the plant sends extra sugars to the roots, thus costing the plants valuable resources. Based on this, what can you conclude?
A) The microbe in the roots is a commensal
B) It is not possible to conclude whether the microbe is a parasite, mutualist, or commensal based on the available information.
C) The microbe in the roots is a mutualist
D) The microbe in the roots is a parasite

Social Studies

2 answers:

enot [1.3K] · Answer 1 · 2026-03-25T14:05:43+03:00

The correct answer is option D

To survive and obtain necessary nutrients, besides having nutrient-rich soil, the plant engages in photosynthesis. Parasitic plants, often identified as holoparasites, do not perform this function. They rely on other plants for survival, with their leaves being either nonexistent or reduced to small yellowish scales. Parasitic plants have developed structures that penetrate the host plant's conductive systems. Many parasitic varieties reside underground or within another plant's tissues and only manifest visible structures during flowering, producing vibrant, colorful blooms.

tigry1 [1.3K] · Answer 2 · 2026-03-25T14:07:51+03:00

Answer:

D) The microbe within the roots functions as a parasite

Explanation:

Parasitic plants derive some or all of their nutrients from other living plants. Members of the Orobanchaceae family attach themselves to their host's roots and extract nutrients from the vascular tissues.

In this analysis, the parasite within the roots causes the plant to send additional sugars to the roots, thereby depleting the plant of valuable resources.