Question

Write a brief note on modification of leaves, stems and roots

Answer 1

A)Leaves are the part of a plant that contains chlorophyll and carries out the process of photosynthesis but sometimes it got modified to perform various functions. They are:-

1. Tendrils-present in climbers and help them to climb as seen in pea.
2. The phyllode-green expanded structure formed by the modification of petiole or rachis and carry out photosynthesis as seen in Acacia.
3. Leaf pitcher- modified into a lid like structure and helps in capture seeds to fulfill nitrogen deficiency as seen in Nepenthes.

B)The stem is the part of a plant that grows above the ground and provides support to the plant but gets modified to help plant in various functions. They are:-

1. Thorn- The axillary buds of some plants become arrested and get modified into the stiff, sharp and pointed structure for reducing transpiration and protection as seen in Citrus.
2. The phylloclades-the stem of xerophytes to carry out photosynthesis as their leaves are reduced to prevent transpiration as seen in Opuntia.
3. Cladodes-The stem and branches modified to carry out photosynthesis as in Ruscus.

C)Root is the part of a plant that grows underground and performs the function of absorption sometimes modified to perform various functions. These are:-

1. Storage as in carrot and radish.
2. Support as in sugarcane and Banyan.
3. Fulfill requirement of oxygen as in Rhizophora.
4. Photosynthesis as in Trapa.