Question

Excessive loss of water causes wilting of leaves,
it can be prevented by
(a) keeping the plant in bright light
(b) spraying the plant with alcohol
(c) applying vaseline on the leaf surface
(d) adding high amounts of fertilizers to the soil

Answer 1

Excessive loss of water causes wilting of leaves, it can be prevented by:

(c) applying vaseline on the leaf surface

• Wilting of leaves occurs due to the falling of turgor pressure in non-lignified plant cells towards zero. This happens due to the loss of water in the cells of the leaves.

• Applying vaseline on the leaf surface will gradually hamper photosynthesis along with transpiration and respiration.

• This is because it blocks the pores and stomata which hinders the osmosis.

Answer 2

Excessive loss of water causes wilting of leaves,  it can be prevented by  applying Vaseline on the leaf surface.

Option (C) is correct.

Explanation:

A layer of Petroleum jelly applied on the leaf surface will protect the leaf from excessive loss of water.

It will also stop wilting of leaves.

Petroleum jelly will gradually hinder

• Photosynthesis
• Transpiration
• Respiration

It blocks the pores of leaf and stomata which hampered the osmosis and Calvin cycle.

It also interfere with the leaf cells.

Thus Excessive loss of water causes wilting of leaves,  it can be prevented by  applying Vaseline on the leaf surface.