Question

Which one of the following statements about Cycas is incorrect?

• A. it has circinate vernation
• B. its xylem is mainly composed of xylem vessel
• C. its roots contain some blue-green algae
• D. it does not have a well organized female flower.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Cycas is a genus of gymnosperms, commonly known for their palmlike appearance. Let's analyze the given options to identify the incorrect statement regarding Cycas:

1. It has circinate vernation:

   This statement is correct. Circinate vernation is a feature of Cycas where the young leaves are coiled inwards and straighten as they mature, resembling the pattern seen in ferns.

2. Its xylem is mainly composed of xylem vessels:

   This statement is incorrect. In Cycas, the xylem is primarily made up of tracheids, not xylem vessels. Xylem vessels are a feature of angiosperms.

3. Its roots contain some blue-green algae:

   This statement is correct. Cycas roots have coralloid roots that harbor symbiotic blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which help in nitrogen fixation.

4. It does not have a well-organized female flower:

   This statement is correct. Cycas produces large, loosely organized megasporophylls, which do not form a typical flower structure as in angiosperms.

Conclusion: The incorrect statement is "its xylem is mainly composed of xylem vessels." Cycas xylem consists of tracheids rather than vessels, distinguishing it from angiosperms. Thus, the correct answer is the second option.