Question

Explain some modifications in leaves.

Answer 1

Leaf:

1. Leaves are plant structures containing green pigment called chlorophyll that helps the plant perform photosynthesis.
2. Leaves have minute pores called the stomata through which transpiration occurs.

Modifications in leaf:

1. Leaves are modified into specialized structures to perform specific functions in the plant.
2. Common examples of leaf modifications are leaf tendrils, spines and scale leaves.
3. Leaf Tendrils: In plants with weak stems, the leaves are modified to form a coiled structure called tendrils.
   • Leaf tendrils help the plants with weak stems to coil around a support and grow horizontally.
   • Example: cucumber.
4. Leaf Spines: In plants leaving in dry climatic conditions, the leaves are modified to form spines.
   • Presence of spine reduces the rate of transpiration and conserves water and protects the plant from predators.
   • Example: cactus.
5. Scale leaves: Leaves are modified to produce smaller structures called scale leaves.
   • Scale leaves protect the developing buds and leaves and it can store food.
   • Example: onion.
6. Insectivorous Plants: In the insectivorous plants the leaves are modified to form traps or segmented bladders which can trap the insects.
   • Examples: venus flytrap, pitcher plant.