Question

The edible portion in a fresh onion comprises

• A. Modified leaves
• B. Buds and leaf bases
• C. Swollen stem
• D. Disc-like stem

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Modified leaves

The correct option is A

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Onion is an underground modified stem In which a bulb-like structure is present containing Tunic, Leafy scales, bud, basal plate, and adventitious roots.
2. This bulb is a modified stem for the storage of food.
3. The onion's concentric fleshy, swollen, and scaly leaf bottoms are the component that may be eaten. The inner section of the leaves thickens as the bulb grows, while the outside half of the leaves lose moisture and turn scaly.

Explanation of the incorrect option:

Option B:

1. Underground stem modifies into bulbs, corms, rhizomes, stolons, and tubers.
2. Leaf bases are modified into leaf-pitcher to catch insects.
3. Example: Agave.

Option C:

1. The stem tubers are the swollen ends of the specialized underground stem branches, which help in the vegetative propagation of the plant.
2. Example: corn.

Option D:

1. The onion is a monocot that has a disk-like stem.
2. The stem is reduced to form a disc-like structure.

Final answer: The edible portion in a fresh onion comprises modified leaves.