Question

Statement 1: The photosynthetic function of Opuntia is taken over by the flattened stems.

Statement 2: Opuntia has no leaves – they are reduced to spines.

• A. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
• B. Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is not the explanation of statement 1.
• C. Statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect
• D. Both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Both statements 1 and 2 are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.

Opuntia is a plant in the cactus family. Cactuses grow in deserts where there is severe scarcity of water. Opuntia is adapted to the life in deserts by modifying its leaves to spines, so as to reduce water loss through transpiration. And the stem is fleshy and filled with water. Further the stem is modified to carry out photosynthesis.