Which of the following is not a leaf modification?
A
Pitcher of Nepenthes
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B
Spines in Cactus
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C
Phylloclade
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D
Phyllode
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Solution
The correct option is C Phylloclade The primary function of a leaf is to perform photosynthesis. But sometimes, the leaf gets modified to carry out other functions.
The lamina of the leaf in Nepenthes (pitcher plant) gets modified to form a pitcher like structure and it helps to trap insects. These plants live in nitrogen deficient soils and obtain their nitrogen from insects. Hence, these are called insectivorous plants.
In xerophytes like Cactus, leaves get modified into spines in order to reduce the rate of transpiration. Hence, the stems carry out photosynthesis in xerophytes. Such a modified stem is called phylloclade and it takes over the photosynthetic role.
Phyllode is the modification of the petiole of the leaf to carry out photosynthesis in plants like Acacia.