Leaf - Modifications
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Description:
Leaves undergo different kinds of modifications in order to perform different functions. These modifications are necessary to adapt to the environmental conditions or to support the growth and survival of the plant itself.
Leaf Tendrils
- Tendrils are thread-like green structures.
- Sensitive to touch.
- Capable of coiling around a support.
- They can be differentiated from stem tendrils by the absence of scaly leaves over them and unbranched.
- E.g. Sweet pea.
Leaf Spines
- Leaves are modified into spines.
- Spines protect the plant from grazing animals.
- They reduce the area for transpiration hence can prevent water loss under xerophytic conditions.
- E.g. Opuntia.
Food Storage
- Food is stored in the leaves.
- Leaves may become fleshy or juicy due to storage of water, mucilage and food material.
- E.g. Onion.
Phyllode
- Petiole get flattened and green in colour to perform the function of photosynthesis.
- E.g. Australian acacia.
Leaf Bladder
The leaves of some insectivorous plants are modified into bladder like structures.
They are very sensitive to touch and have mechanism to catch insects which sits on them. Once they trap the insect, they secrete digestive enzymes inside the bladder to digest the insect.
E.g. Bladder wort.
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