Some flowers bleed a milky sap when cut; what is this substance called?

Some flowers bleed a milky sap when cut; what is this substance called?

• A. Resin
• B. Latex
• C. Sap
• D. Glycerin

Answer: (B)

Latex is the milky sap that oozes from certain flowers when they’re cut. It comes from specialized tissues called laticifers and acts as a plant defense. This milky fluid is different from general sap, which is the plant’s transport fluid and is usually clear or pale. It’s also different from resin, a thick sticky secretion produced by some trees. Glycerin isn’t a natural plant sap; it’s a chemical used in floral care but not the milky sap produced by flowers. So the substance described is latex.

Latex is the milky sap that oozes from certain flowers when they’re cut. It comes from specialized tissues called laticifers and acts as a plant defense. This milky fluid is different from general sap, which is the plant’s transport fluid and is usually clear or pale. It’s also different from resin, a thick sticky secretion produced by some trees. Glycerin isn’t a natural plant sap; it’s a chemical used in floral care but not the milky sap produced by flowers. So the substance described is latex.