The correct option is (b).
Explanation
Excretion in plants differs significantly from that in animals. Unlike animals, plants do not possess specialized excretory organs (such as kidneys) or a complex excretory system. Instead, they utilize various physiological and morphological strategies to manage and eliminate metabolic waste products.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. While plants lack specialized organs, they do excrete metabolic waste products, just as animals do. The statement "Plants do not excrete waste products like animals do" is incorrect because the fundamental physiological necessity of removing toxic by-products (such as oxygen during photosynthesis, carbon dioxide during respiration, and excess water) exists in both groups. The mechanism differs, but the process of excretion occurs in both.
- Statement 2 is Correct. Plants have evolved mechanisms to store toxic metabolic by-products in specific parts of their body to prevent damage to vital tissues.
- Waste products can be stored in cellular vacuoles.
- They may be stored in leaves, which are eventually shed (abscission).
- Waste is also stored as resins and gums, particularly in old xylem (heartwood), which is non-functional for transport.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect. Plants can and do remove waste products through secretions.
- Plants excrete waste substances into the soil around them through their roots.
- Gums, resins, and latex are forms of secreted waste products.
- Excess water is removed via transpiration and guttation.
Key Takeaway:
Plants manage excretion through transpiration (gaseous waste/water), storage (in vacuoles, old xylem, or shedding leaves), and secretion (into soil or as gums/resins), despite lacking a specialized excretory system.