How do the various leaf modifications
help plants?
How do the various leaf modifications help plants?
The main function of
the leaves is to carry out the process of photosynthesis. However, in
a few plants, leaves are modified to perform different functions.
(a) Tendrils: The leaves of a pea plant are modified into
tendrils that help the plant in climbing.
(b) Spines: The leaves in cactus are modified into sharp
spines that act as an organ of defense.
(c) Phyllode: The leaves of some Australian acacia are
short-lived and soon replaced by flattened, green structures called
phyllodes that arise from the petiole of the leaves. The petioles in
these plants synthesize food.
(d) Pitcher: The leaves of the pitcher plant are modified into
pitcher-like structures, which contain digestive juices and help in
trapping and digesting insects.
The main function of the leaves is to carry out the process of photosynthesis. However, in a few plants, leaves are modified to perform different functions.
(a) Tendrils: The leaves of a pea plant are modified into tendrils that help the plant in climbing.
(b) Spines: The leaves in cactus are modified into sharp spines that act as an organ of defense.
(c) Phyllode: The leaves of some Australian acacia are short-lived and soon replaced by flattened, green structures called phyllodes that arise from the petiole of the leaves. The petioles in these plants synthesize food.
(d) Pitcher: The leaves of the pitcher plant are modified into pitcher-like structures, which contain digestive juices and help in trapping and digesting insects.
