Question

A simple leaf is present in
A. Peepal
B. Mimosa
C. Neem
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Its lamina is entirely developed and if it is incised then the incision does not touch the midrib. It is responsible for performing various functions like respiration, photosynthesis etc. The leaves can get modified themselves from plants to plants depending upon their habitat.

Complete Answer:
Leaf (pl. leaves) is a lateral, flattened structure present on a stem. A leaf develops at the node and bears a bud on its axis which later develops into a branch. Leaves actually originate from shoot apical meristems and are arranged in acropetal order.

typical leaf consists of three main parts:
- Leaf base: it is the part which connects the whole leaf with the stem.
- Petiole: it is a long, thin flexible structure that helps in holding the leaf blade in light. It also allows the leaf blades to flutter in wind thus providing cooling effects to the leaf and bring fresh air to the leaf surface.
- Lamina or leaf blade: it is the green expanded part of the leaf with veins and veinlet. The shape, margin, apex, extent of incision and its surface varies from plants to plants.

On the basis of the structure of leaves it is classified mainly in 2 types:
(I) Simple leaf: when the lamina is entirely developed and if it is incised then the incision does not touch the midrib, then it is called a simple leaf. For example: guava, peepal, hibiscus, oregano, pear plant etc.
(II) Compound leaf: when lamina is incised then the incision reaches up to the midrib breaking it into a number of leaflets then it is called a compound leaf. For example: neem, rose , mimosa etc.

The correct option is A i.e. peepal.

Note: In the monocots plants, the leaf base expands into a sheath covering the stem either partially or completely. In some leguminous plants, the leaf base may become swollen which is commonly called as pulvinus which helps in seismonastic movement in Mimosa plant(touch-me-not plant).