Question

What are the differences between a pinnately compound leaves and a branch bearing simple leaves?

Answer 1

Hint: Based on whether the lamina of the leaf is incised or not, there are two types of leaf i.e. simple and compound. In a simple leaf, the lamina is complete or even if incised, the incisions do not touch the midrib. Whereas, in compound types of leaf, the incisions reach the midrib and hence divide the leaf into several small leaflets.

Complete step by step answer:
Differences between pinnately compound and simple leaf arise due to their different morphologies, they also create significant differences in plants bearing them. The differences are as follows-

Pinnately compound leaves	Simple leaves
The lateral bud in the axil is present.	The branch itself develops from an axillary bud.
Might have two lateral stipules at its base.	No stipules are found at the base of the branch.
Axils of the leaflets do not contain buds.	A simple leaf from a branch usually has axillary buds.
Finite growth is observed.	Growth is infinite.
Leaflets that arise are not acropetal succession.	Leaves on a branch occur in acropetal succession.
All leaflets are in a single plane.	Leaves may or may not be present in a single plane.
The base of the leaf may be swollen or pulvinate.	The base of a branch can never be pulvinated.

Note: Nodes and internodes are distinctly present in a simple leaf whereas are not found in a pinnately compound leaf. Leaflets of simple leaves may bear flowers whereas those of a pinnately compound leaf will not bear a flower.