Question

Discuss the different modifications of leaves?

Answer 1

Hint: Leaves can be modified in a number of ways. One of them is in the form of spines that reduce water loss and also act as a defense. They are also modified into tendrils to provide support to the plant. Thick leaves help in water storage. Some are also modified to catch and digest insects.

Complete answer:
Modifications of Leaves:
Leaves are often modified for carrying on special functions. A summary of the modified leaves is given below:
1. Leaf Tendrils:
The whole leaf or more typically the parts of the leaves are modified into slender sensitive tendrils for climbing. The whole lamina in Lathyrus or wild pea, the terminal leaflets in pea, the apex in Gloriosa (B. Plant chandal), the petiole in Clematis, and the stipules in Smilax (B. Kumarika) are commonly modified into tendrils.
2. Spines:
The lamina or a part of the leaf may be modified into a hard sharp-pointed structure, known as the spine. This is for the purpose of self-defense. In common Opuntia (B. Fani manasha) the stem evolves into green and flattened (phylloclade) and the leaves are converted into spines.
Similarly, the apex of date-palm, the margin of Argemone (B. Shialkanta), stipules in Acacia (B. Babla) are modified into spines. The thorns and spines carry on the same function but thorns are modified stems and spines are modified leaves.
3. Storage Leaves:
Many leaves become fleshy and succulent due to the depository water and food. Here the leaves are partly modified like Leaves of Agave, Aloe, Portulaca (B. Nune-shak), the scaly leaves of onion.
4. Insect-Catching Leaves:
The insectivorous plants possess peculiar leaves nicely adapted for catching insects
5. Leaves of Bryophyllum (B. Pathar kuchi), Begonia bear epiphyllous buds help in vegetative multiplication.

Note: All leaves possess the same basic structure - a midrib, an edge, veins, and a petiole. The major function of a leaf is to carry out photosynthesis, which provides the plant with the food it needs to survive. Plants provide food for all life on the planet.