Question

Following are the comparisons between phylloclades and cladodes (cladophylls).

	Phylloclade	Cladode
(i)	Both main stem and branches are modified to function like leaves.	Only the branches are modified to take over the function of leaves.
(ii)	Phylloclade has limited or definite growth.	Cladode has unlimited or indefinite growth.
(iii)	It consist of several nodes and internodes.	It is usually one internode long
(iv)	True leaves are commonly caducous.	True leaves are either reduced to scales or modified to spines.
(v)	Example: Rescus aculeatus, Asparagus etc.	Example: Opuntia, Euphorbia royleana etc.

Pick up the wrong difference and select the correct option.

• A. (i) and (ii)
• B. (ii) and (v)
• C. (iii) and (v)
• D. (ii) and (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is B (ii) and (v)

B. (ii) and (v)

EXPLANATION: Cladode are shoot systems in which leaves do not develop. This type of stem become flattened and can assume the photosynthetic functions of the plant. It has usually one long internode. e.g., Asparagus officinalis. In asparagus the scales found on the asparagus spears are the true leaves. The phylloclade is mostly present in xerophytes. It is green, flattened or cyllindrical in structure. It has several nodes and internodes. Leaves are commonly caducous. e.g., Opuntia, Casuarina, etc. Phylloclade has unlimited growth.