Which one of the following is a hemiparasite?

Options

A. Viscum
B. Cuscuta
C. Rafflesia
D. None of these

Answer

To determine which of the given options is a hemiparasite, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Definition of Hemiparasites
Hemiparasites are organisms that derive water and minerals from their host but also possess some photosynthetic ability. This means they can perform photosynthesis to produce their own food, unlike true parasites that completely rely on their host for nutrients.

### Step 2: Analyze the Options
We have the following options to consider:
- **A. Viscum**
- **B. Cascata**
- **C. Rafflesia**
- **D. None of these**

### Step 3: Identify the Characteristics of Each Option
- **Viscum**: This is known to be a hemiparasite. It can photosynthesize and also extracts water and nutrients from its host plants.
- **Cascata**: This is a true parasite that does not perform photosynthesis and relies entirely on its host for nutrients.
- **Rafflesia**: This is also a true parasite, known for its large flowers and complete dependence on its host for survival.
- **None of these**: This option would imply that none of the listed organisms are hemiparasites.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Based on the definitions and characteristics analyzed:
- **Viscum** is the only organism among the options that qualifies as a hemiparasite.

### Final Answer
The correct answer is **A. Viscum**.

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