Name: Transpiration and Stomata
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 2 min 59 s
Description: The epidermis has tiny pore-like structures called stomata that are involved in the gaseous exchange and water exchange in plants. Watch to learn more.

Question

Why are leaves modified? Explain with examples.

Accepted Answer

Leaves are the sites of photosynthesis in plants. In this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight and the pigment chlorophyll to produce glucose and oxygen. However, in some cases leaves are modified to perform additional functions to adapt to a specific environment. Some examples of modified leaves are listed below:

Spines: In some plants like cacti, prickly poppies, etc., the leaves are modified into spines. The main function of the spines is to prevent the loss of water from the plant and protect the plants from being eaten by herbivore animals which can damage or destroy the plant.

Tendrils: Some plants such as peas and grapes have modified leaves that act as tendrils to support the plant to climb on nearby structures.

Scaly leaves: These are a type of modified leaf structures that protect the buds. Ginger is an example of a plant that has scaly leaves.

Insect-trapping leaves: In some carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap and the pitcher plant, leaves are modified to trap and digest insects.

Why are leaves modified? Explain with examples.

Spines: In some plants like cacti, prickly poppies, etc., the leaves are modified into spines. The main function of the spines is to prevent the loss of water from the plant and protect the plants from being eaten by herbivore&nbsp;animals which can damage or destroy the plant.
Tendrils: Some plants such as peas and grapes have modified leaves that act as tendrils to support the plant to climb on nearby structures.

Important Questions on The Leaf

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