Question

Identify the group of plants possessing leaf tendrils.
A. Pea, Glory lily
B. Cucumber, Pumpkin
C. Watermelon, Grapevine
D. All of these

Answer 1

Hint: Leaf are important parts of plants and are associated with the photosynthetic process. In addition to this , certain types of leaves or parts of leaves are modified to perform special functions. Leaf or parts of leaves may be modified to provide additional support to the plant and these structures are known as tendrils.

Complete answer:
A tendril is a plant organ specially formed to anchor and support the stems. Leaves, leaflets, leaf tips, or leaf stipules may be modified as tendrils. Stem branches also can be modified as tendril. Other special plant structures fulfil a similar function, but the tendril is specialised to support the plant to climb upwards. It is a specialized lateral organ that strongly possesses coiling features and due to this feature causes tendrils can encircle any object. In some plants, the leaf axis terminates in a tendril. This tendril is formed to help in climbing.
A tendril is a thin threadlike or coil like strand which is produced usually from the node of a stem modified shoots, modified leaves, or auxiliary branches. Tendrils are prehensile and sensitive to touch stimuli. Generally, the tendril is used for climbing by plants to get a support and attachment. Parasitic plants used these tendrils for cellular invasion. Tendril searches for a suitable host by touch and twining around it. They do not have any lamina or blade, but they are capable of photosynthesizing.
Common examples of plants in which tendril can be found are the sweet pea, and the passion flowers family.
As tendrils coil with an object, it turns toward it, and the shape of the object permits tendril to wrap about it. Further some strong mechanical tissue forms in the tendrils, thus tendril become strong enough to support the weight of the plant.
In the case of the plant Glory lily, the tip of the leaf is modified into tendrils and in the case of Pea, the upper leaflets are modified into tendrils. So, in these types of plants leaves modify to give rise to tendrils and are known to possess leaf tendrils.

Therefore, the correct option is option A.

Note: Tendrils are the typical structure present in some plants which are used to provide anchors and support to the stem. This is a modified form of leaves, leaflets, leaf tips, or leaf stipules, and stems. Due to its coiling nature, it twins with a suitable host only for the purpose of support. There are two types of tendrils found; leaf tendrils and stem tendrils. Generally, pea and glory lily are known to possess leaf tendrils.