With reference to the banana plant, consider the following statements: 1. The banana plant is characterized by having only one edible part. 2. Multiple parts of the banana plant, such as the flower and stem, can be used as food. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (b). Explanation The banana plant (Musa sp.) is a large herbaceous plant that is economically significant not only for its fruit but also for other vegetative and reproductive parts. In botanical terms, the "stem" visible above the ground is a pseudostem formed by tightly packed leaf sheaths, while the true stem is underground (rhizome). - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The banana plant is not characterized by having only one edible part. While the fruit (berry) is the most commonly consumed portion, it is not the sole edible component of the plant. - Statement 2 is Correct: Multiple parts of the banana plant are used as food in various culinary traditions. The banana flower (also known as the banana heart or blossom) is widely consumed as a vegetable. Additionally, the inner core of the pseudostem is edible and is often used in regional cuisines for its high fiber content. Key Takeaway: The banana plant provides multiple edible resources, including the fruit, the inflorescence (flower), and the inner core of the pseudostem.

NCERT Class 6 Science — Chapter 1: Food: Where does it come from?

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With reference to the banana plant, consider the following statements:

The banana plant is characterized by having only one edible part.
Multiple parts of the banana plant, such as the flower and stem, can be used as food.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (b).

Explanation

The banana plant (Musa sp.) is a large herbaceous plant that is economically significant not only for its fruit but also for other vegetative and reproductive parts. In botanical terms, the "stem" visible above the ground is a pseudostem formed by tightly packed leaf sheaths, while the true stem is underground (rhizome).

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The banana plant is not characterized by having only one edible part. While the fruit (berry) is the most commonly consumed portion, it is not the sole edible component of the plant.
Statement 2 is Correct: Multiple parts of the banana plant are used as food in various culinary traditions. The banana flower (also known as the banana heart or blossom) is widely consumed as a vegetable. Additionally, the inner core of the pseudostem is edible and is often used in regional cuisines for its high fiber content.

Key Takeaway: The banana plant provides multiple edible resources, including the fruit, the inflorescence (flower), and the inner core of the pseudostem.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Food: Where does it come from?

With reference to the sources of oil used in cooking, consider the following statements: 1. Vegetable oils are obtained from the seeds of plants. 2. No animal product serves as a source of oil or fat for human consumption. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding edible parts of plants: 1. Only the fruits of plants are edible for humans. 2. Certain plants, such as mustard, have more than one edible part. 3. Flowers of plants are generally not used as food ingredients in any region of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the mustard plant, consider the following statements: 1. The seeds of the mustard plant are used to extract oil. 2. The roots of the mustard plant are the primary source of cooking oil. 3. The leaves of the plant are used as a vegetable. Which of the statements given above are correct?

easy

Consider the following ingredients used in cooking: 1. Chilli 2. Soybean oil 3. Pumpkin Which of the above are correctly matched with the plant part they are derived from? 1. Chilli is a modified root of the plant. 2. Soybean oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant. 3. Pumpkin is the fruit part of the plant. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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Which of the following statements regarding plant parts used as food sources is NOT correct?

easy

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The correct option is (b).

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The banana plant is not characterized by having only one edible part. While the fruit (berry) is the most commonly consumed portion, it is not the sole edible component of the plant.
Statement 2 is Correct: Multiple parts of the banana plant are used as food in various culinary traditions. The banana flower (also known as the banana heart or blossom) is widely consumed as a vegetable. Additionally, the inner core of the pseudostem is edible and is often used in regional cuisines for its high fiber content.

Key Takeaway: The banana plant provides multiple edible resources, including the fruit, the inflorescence (flower), and the inner core of the pseudostem.