Assertion : Many mangrove plants possess high levels of organic solutes.
Reason : This is an adaptation to cope with the conditions of high salt concentration and osmotic potential.

Options

A. If both the assertion and the reason are true and the reason is a correct explanation of the assertion
B. If both the assertion and reason are true but the reason is not a correct explanation of the assertion
C. If the assertion is true but the reason is false
D. If both the assertion and reason are false

Explanation

To solve the assertion and reason question, we will analyze both statements step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze the Assertion
The assertion states that "Many mangrove plants possess high levels of organic solutes."
- Mangrove plants are known to thrive in coastal intertidal zones where they are exposed to saline conditions.
- To survive in such environments, these plants accumulate organic solutes, which help them manage osmotic pressure.

### Step 2: Analyze the Reason
The reason states that "This is an adaptation to cope with the conditions of high salt concentration and osmotic potential."
- High salt concentration in the surrounding water and soil creates a hypertonic environment for the mangrove plants.
- To prevent water loss and maintain turgor pressure, mangrove plants synthesize organic solutes such as proline and sorbitol. These solutes help to balance the osmotic potential, allowing the plants to retain water.

### Step 3: Determine the Relationship
- The assertion is true because mangrove plants do indeed possess high levels of organic solutes.
- The reason is also true as it accurately explains why these plants have adapted in this way to cope with high salt concentrations and osmotic potential.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason provides a correct explanation for the assertion. Therefore, the answer is that both the assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.

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