Question

A few normal seedlings of tomato were kept in a dark room. After a few days, they were found to have become white-colored like albinos. Which of the following terms will you use to describe them?
A.Mutated
B.Embolised
C.Etiolated
D.Defoliated

Answer 1

Hint:Albino condition refers to the complete or partial absence of pigment from the skin. It can be caused due to some mutations.

Complete step by step answer:Etiolation refers to the process by which flowering plants are made to develop in a partial or complete absence of light. The main characteristic feature of the process is the presence of a long and weak stem and chlorosis which is the presence of pale yellow color, which is sparse in nature and longer internodes. Etiolation is mainly caused due to hormone Auxins. The loss of color due to the absence of sunlight in seedlings is due to them getting etiolated.
Considering the other given options:
Mutated: Refers to the process of any change or alteration in the sequence of nucleotides in the genome of any living organism. The mutation is responsible for the development of many chronic diseases such as certain types of cancers. The mutation is also done artificially to incorporate various favorable characteristics into the developing plants.
Embolised: The word embolization refers to the development of an embolus which is a mobile clot occurring in the bloodstream and it gets attached to the vessel at some point and causes the blockage of the vessel, leading to many cardiovascular problems.
Defoliated: The process of removal of leaves from plants, using chemicals. This can be for agricultural purposes or as a military tactic.
Thus from the given options, the most appropriate one is C, etiolated seeds are the ones that have undergone discoloration when stored in the absence of light.

Note:When exposed to sunlight, the etiolated plants or the seedlings undergo a process known as de-etiolation. Also known as the greening process. The major changes taking place in this process are the inhibition of the elongation of hypocotyl and stimulation of anthocyanin production.