-Kumudinee, Subject Matter Expert at Edumarz.
Solution: Leaf is a green, lateral and flattened outgrowth for stem which is borne on the node of a stem or its branches is specialised to perform photosynthesis and synthesise food.
Along with photosynthesis, leaves often get modified into different structures to perform several other functions.
Modifications of leaves in plants that help the plants are as follows:
1.Tendrils– The leaves of the plants get modified into tendrils that help the plants like vines and creepers in climbing.
2.Spines– These are hard and stiff structures modified from leaf and act as organs of defence and reduce water loss in the plants from dry conditions e.g. cactus.
3.Phyllode– The leaves of some plants are short-lived and they are soon replaced by flattened, green structures called phyllodes. These arise from the petiole of the leaves and are involved in synthesising the food.
4.Pitcher– The leaves of the pitcher plant are modified into pitcher-like structures. These are digestive sacs which contain digestive juices and help in trapping and digesting insects. It can be seen in the plants who cannot get sufficient nitrogen from the environment and soil.
