, BOT2601 ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 2 2025 ANSWERS
DUE DATE: 12 SEPTEMBER 2025
QUESTION 1 [15]
1.1 Structure and function of the cuticle (5)
The cuticle is a thin, waxy layer that covers the outer surface of leaves, young stems, and
fruits. It is mainly made up of cutin (a fatty substance) and wax. Structurally, it is transparent,
allowing light to pass through for photosynthesis. The main function of the cuticle is to
reduce excessive water loss through evaporation. It also acts as a barrier against pathogens
and mechanical injury. In addition, the cuticle can help reflect harmful UV radiation (Evert &
Eichhorn, 2013).
1.2 Non-glandular trichomes (5)
Non-glandular trichomes are simple hair-like outgrowths from the epidermis of plants. They
are usually unicellular or multicellular and do not secrete substances, unlike glandular
trichomes. Their main function is to protect the plant by reducing water loss, reflecting
excess sunlight, and acting as a barrier against herbivores and insects. In some plants,
trichomes also reduce leaf temperature by reflecting light (Taiz et al., 2015).
1.3 The “typical” Kranz anatomy (5)
Kranz anatomy is a special leaf structure found in many C4 plants such as maize and
sugarcane. In this anatomy, the vascular bundles are surrounded by a layer of bundle sheath
cells, which are large and contain chloroplasts. Around these are mesophyll cells that also
contain chloroplasts. This arrangement helps in the efficient fixation of carbon dioxide and
reduces photorespiration. In simple terms, mesophyll cells capture CO₂ and pass it to bundle
sheath cells, where the Calvin cycle happens (Sage et al., 2012).
QUESTION 2 [30]
2.1 Structural and functional aspects of a symbiotic relationship between plant roots
and fungi (10)
The symbiotic relationship between plant roots and fungi is known as mycorrhiza. The term
comes from “myco” meaning fungus and “rhiza” meaning root. This relationship is very
DUE DATE: 12 SEPTEMBER 2025
QUESTION 1 [15]
1.1 Structure and function of the cuticle (5)
The cuticle is a thin, waxy layer that covers the outer surface of leaves, young stems, and
fruits. It is mainly made up of cutin (a fatty substance) and wax. Structurally, it is transparent,
allowing light to pass through for photosynthesis. The main function of the cuticle is to
reduce excessive water loss through evaporation. It also acts as a barrier against pathogens
and mechanical injury. In addition, the cuticle can help reflect harmful UV radiation (Evert &
Eichhorn, 2013).
1.2 Non-glandular trichomes (5)
Non-glandular trichomes are simple hair-like outgrowths from the epidermis of plants. They
are usually unicellular or multicellular and do not secrete substances, unlike glandular
trichomes. Their main function is to protect the plant by reducing water loss, reflecting
excess sunlight, and acting as a barrier against herbivores and insects. In some plants,
trichomes also reduce leaf temperature by reflecting light (Taiz et al., 2015).
1.3 The “typical” Kranz anatomy (5)
Kranz anatomy is a special leaf structure found in many C4 plants such as maize and
sugarcane. In this anatomy, the vascular bundles are surrounded by a layer of bundle sheath
cells, which are large and contain chloroplasts. Around these are mesophyll cells that also
contain chloroplasts. This arrangement helps in the efficient fixation of carbon dioxide and
reduces photorespiration. In simple terms, mesophyll cells capture CO₂ and pass it to bundle
sheath cells, where the Calvin cycle happens (Sage et al., 2012).
QUESTION 2 [30]
2.1 Structural and functional aspects of a symbiotic relationship between plant roots
and fungi (10)
The symbiotic relationship between plant roots and fungi is known as mycorrhiza. The term
comes from “myco” meaning fungus and “rhiza” meaning root. This relationship is very
