Surface area of roots in Dittmer's rye plant is more than that of the shoot system by

Options

A. 130 times
B. 30 times
C. 13 times
D. 13 - 30 times.

Answer

To solve the question regarding the surface area of roots in Dittmer's rye plant compared to that of the shoot system, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Context**:
- The question pertains to the Dittmer's rye plant, which was studied by a scientist named Dittmer in 1937.
- It is important to note that the surface area of roots is being compared to that of the shoot system.

2. **Key Information**:
- Dittmer discovered that a 4-month-old rye plant has approximately 14 billion root hairs.
- Root hairs are essential for water absorption, nutrient translocation, and soil binding.

3. **Function of Root Hairs**:
- Root hairs increase the surface area available for absorption, which is crucial for the plant's health and stability.

4. **Calculating Surface Area**:
- The total surface area covered by the root hairs in the Dittmer's rye plant is found to be approximately 6875.4 square feet.
- This measurement is significant as it indicates the extent of the root system's capability to absorb water and nutrients.

5. **Comparison with Shoot System**:
- The problem states that the surface area of the roots is greater than that of the shoot system.
- According to the information provided, the surface area of the roots is more than that of the shoot system by a factor of 130 times.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the calculations and information provided, the correct answer to the question is that the surface area of roots in Dittmer's rye plant is more than that of the shoot system by **130 times**.

### Final Answer:
The surface area of roots in Dittmer's rye plant is more than that of the shoot system by **130 times**.

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