4. Explain the method in which Cuscuta and Mistletoe derive food from their host plants. Why are they so called? Identify the complete parasite and the partial parasite between them.
Answers
Answer:
cuscuta is a complete parasite and mistletoe is a partial parasite.
EXPLANATION: Cuscuta is a non green plant. it does not have chlorophyll. it cannot make its own food. its long yellowish thread like stems twine around the stem and branches of the tree on which its climbs. it has a special structure called haustoria which pierces into the plant body on which it climbs for absorption of readymade food.
On the other hand, mistletoe is a partial parasite. Mistletoe plant has Green leaves. these Green leaves make their own food but this plant receives water and minerals from the host plant to synthesise food.
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The plant Cuscuta derives its nutrition from the host plant by sending its root-like structures into the stem or roots of the host plant to absorb water, mineral salts and food from it. This type of nutrition is known as Parasitic Nutrition.
Like other plants, mistletoe is capable of using sunlight to create its own food, a process called photosynthesis. However, it prefers to siphon water and nutrients from other trees and shrubs, using "false roots" to invade its hosts
The main difference between total parasite and partial parasite is that the total parasite totally depends on the host for its growth, survival, and reproduction whereas the partial parasite depends on the host only for a certain requirement of their life such as water and shelte