Morphology and histology of Ephedra MCQs With Answer

Morphology and histology of Ephedra MCQs With Answer — This concise introduction covers key features of Ephedra relevant to B. Pharm and pharmacognosy students. Ephedra (family Ephedraceae) is a gymnosperm with green, photosynthetic, jointed stems and reduced, opposite scale-like leaves. The genus is pharmacologically important for ephedrine alkaloids found in stems and leaves. Anatomical characters — thick cuticle, chlorenchyma cortex, vascular bundles with vessel elements (unusual in gymnosperms), sunken stomata and sclerenchymatous support — are essential for microscopy-based identification and quality control. Understanding reproductive strobili, seed-bearing bracts, and microscopic diagnostic features aids proper drug authentication. Now let’s test your knowledge with 30 MCQs on this topic.

Q1. Which of the following correctly describes the general habit of Ephedra?

• Herbaceous annual with broad leaves
• Woody climber with compound leaves
• Shrubby gymnosperm with green, jointed, photosynthetic stems
• Tree with large pinnate leaves

Correct Answer: Shrubby gymnosperm with green, jointed, photosynthetic stems

Q2. In Ephedra, the leaves are typically:

• Large and pinnate
• Scale-like, opposite and reduced
• Needle-like and spirally arranged
• Broad and petiolated

Correct Answer: Scale-like, opposite and reduced

Q3. Which anatomical feature of Ephedra xylem is unusual among gymnosperms?

• Presence of tracheids only
• Presence of vessel elements
• Absence of lignin
• Phloem lacking sieve cells

Correct Answer: Presence of vessel elements

Q4. The main photosynthetic organ in Ephedra is:

• Large leaves
• Root hairs
• Green stems (photosynthetic branchlets)
• Reproductive cones

Correct Answer: Green stems (photosynthetic branchlets)

Q5. Which microscopic feature is often used in powder microscopy to identify Ephedra drug material?

• Presence of stomatal fragments, vessel elements and fibres
• Presence of pollen tetrads and glandular hairs only
• Abundant stone cells and laticifers only
• Crystalline cellulose exclusively

Correct Answer: Presence of stomatal fragments, vessel elements and fibres

Q6. The cuticle on Ephedra stems is typically:

• Thin and absent
• Thick with epicuticular wax to reduce water loss
• Perforated with many glands
• Composed mainly of lignin

Correct Answer: Thick with epicuticular wax to reduce water loss

Q7. Ephedra produces reproductive units known as:

• Flowers with petals
• Strobili (cones) with bracts
• Fleshy berries
• Samara-type fruits

Correct Answer: Strobili (cones) with bracts

Q8. The pharmacologically active alkaloid primarily associated with Ephedra is:

• Quinine
• Ephedrine
• Atropine
• Nicotine

Correct Answer: Ephedrine

Q9. Which feature helps Ephedra adapt to arid habitats?

• Large broad leaves for transpiration
• Sunken stomata and thick cuticle
• Extensive aerial root systems
• Thin, water-permeable epidermis

Correct Answer: Sunken stomata and thick cuticle

Q10. In transverse section of an Ephedra stem, which layer is immediately internal to the epidermis?

• Pericycle
• Cortex composed largely of chlorenchyma
• Pith of sclereids
• Secondary phloem

Correct Answer: Cortex composed largely of chlorenchyma

Q11. Which statement about Ephedra leaves is correct regarding venation?

• Leaves have a complex reticulate venation
• Leaves are usually single-veined or with a single midrib
• Leaves possess multiple parallel veins like grasses
• Leaves lack any vascular trace

Correct Answer: Leaves are usually single-veined or with a single midrib

Q12. The presence of which cell type gives mechanical support in Ephedra stems?

• Parenchyma only
• Sclerenchymatous fibers and thick-walled cells
• Collenchyma absent altogether
• Thin-walled endodermal cells only

Correct Answer: Sclerenchymatous fibers and thick-walled cells

Q13. Which of the following is a reliable macroscopic diagnostic character of Ephedra drug material?

• Large, lobed leaves attached to stems
• Green, jointed, cylindrical stems and reduced leaf scars at nodes
• Sweet aromatic resin exuding from surface
• Spines on the stem surface

Correct Answer: Green, jointed, cylindrical stems and reduced leaf scars at nodes

Q14. In Ephedra reproductive biology, pollen capture is often mediated by:

• Pollination drops secreted by ovules
• Fleshy petals attracting frugivores
• Sticky stigma with nectaries like angiosperms
• Underground pollination chambers

Correct Answer: Pollination drops secreted by ovules

Q15. Which vascular arrangement is commonly observed in the young stem of Ephedra?

• A single large ring of secondary xylem only
• Scattered vascular bundles in cortex region
• Vascular bundles absent in stems
• Concentric collateral bundles with no phloem

Correct Answer: Scattered vascular bundles in cortex region

Q16. Which histological test would help confirm the presence of alkaloids like ephedrine in Ephedra extracts?

• Benedict’s test for reducing sugars
• Mayer’s and Wagner’s reagent reactions (alkaloid tests)
• Biuret test for proteins
• Sudan III for lipids only

Correct Answer: Mayer’s and Wagner’s reagent reactions (alkaloid tests)

Q17. Powdered Ephedra stems under microscope typically reveal:

• Stomatal complexes, fragments of vessels and sclerenchymatous fibers
• Extensive glandular trichomes and pollen tetrads only
• Arbuscular mycorrhizal structures
• Single-celled hairs and abundant laticifers

Correct Answer: Stomatal complexes, fragments of vessels and sclerenchymatous fibers

Q18. Which description best fits Ephedra seed presentation?

• Seeds enclosed within a true fruit wall (carpel)
• Naked seeds subtended by persistent bracts in female cones
• Seeds fused into a capsule that splits explosively
• Seeds with a fleshy aril like angiosperm drupe

Correct Answer: Naked seeds subtended by persistent bracts in female cones

Q19. Which staining technique is most appropriate for observing lignified cell walls in Ephedra stem sections?

• Safranin staining (or safranin-fast green)
• Sudan III for lipids
• Biuret reagent for proteins
• Molisch’s reagent for carbohydrates

Correct Answer: Safranin staining (or safranin-fast green)

Q20. Ephedra species are classified under which plant group?

• Angiosperms (flowering plants)
• Ferns (pteridophytes)
• Gymnosperms (Gnetales)
• Bryophytes (mosses)

Correct Answer: Gymnosperms (Gnetales)

Q21. Which of the following is a common microscopic adulterant to check for when authenticating Ephedra powder?

• Presence of broadleaf epidermal cells from other herbs
• Abundant vessel elements unique to Ephedra only
• Complete absence of any stomata
• Uniform spherical starch grains only

Correct Answer: Presence of broadleaf epidermal cells from other herbs

Q22. What is the primary therapeutic action associated with ephedrine from Ephedra?

• Antifungal only
• Sympathomimetic stimulant and bronchodilator
• Purely sedative with no cardiovascular effects
• Cholinergic blocker exclusively

Correct Answer: Sympathomimetic stimulant and bronchodilator

Q23. In anatomical preparations, chlorenchyma in Ephedra stems is mainly responsible for:

• Mechanical support
• Photosynthesis and storage
• Seed dispersal
• Water conduction only

Correct Answer: Photosynthesis and storage

Q24. Which cellular inclusions are commonly reported in Ephedra tissues and may be observed microscopically?

• Prismatic calcium oxalate crystals
• Amphoteric metal granules only
• Silica phytoliths exclusively in leaves
• Keratinized cell deposits

Correct Answer: Prismatic calcium oxalate crystals

Q25. Which feature distinguishes Ephedra stems from typical woody angiosperm stems on transverse section?

• Well-developed true secondary growth forming rings in all species
• Dominance of chlorenchyma cortex with scattered vascular bundles and limited secondary wood
• Absence of any vascular tissue
• Presence of multiple periderm layers with cork cambium like trees

Correct Answer: Dominance of chlorenchyma cortex with scattered vascular bundles and limited secondary wood

Q26. Which environmental adaptation is reflected by Ephedra’s reduced leaves?

• Adaptation to aquatic habitats
• Reduction of transpiration in dry environments
• Enhancement of insect attraction
• Maximizing leaf surface for shade tolerance

Correct Answer: Reduction of transpiration in dry environments

Q27. Which microscopic diagnostic test would help detect vessel elements in Ephedra powder?

• Observe under microscope after clearing and staining to see bordered pits and perforation plates
• Measure pH of aqueous extract only
• Smell test for aromatic oils
• Use UV fluorescence exclusively

Correct Answer: Observe under microscope after clearing and staining to see bordered pits and perforation plates

Q28. The bracts that subtend Ephedra seeds are important because they:

• Form a true fruit wall enclosing seeds like angiosperms
• Protect ovules and often aid seed dispersal
• Are modified roots that absorb nutrients
• Are always brightly colored to attract birds

Correct Answer: Protect ovules and often aid seed dispersal

Q29. During pharmacognostic evaluation, which organ is most frequently examined for Ephedra raw material?

• Roots only
• Stem (aerial parts) because they contain highest ephedrine content
• Seeds exclusively for alkaloids
• Flowers due to abundant nectar

Correct Answer: Stem (aerial parts) because they contain highest ephedrine content

Q30. Which statement about Ephedra histology is correct?

• Ephedra lacks phloem tissue altogether
• Ephedra stems typically show a hypodermis of sclerenchyma beneath the epidermis for support
• All cells in Ephedra stems are dead at maturity
• Ephedra has large multicellular glandular trichomes covering stems

Correct Answer: Ephedra stems typically show a hypodermis of sclerenchyma beneath the epidermis for support

G S Sachin

I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.

Mail- Sachin@pharmacyfreak.com