Question

In Lathyrus aphaca, the leaves are modified into
A. Spines
B. Tendrils
C. Scales
D. Stem like structures

Answer 1

Hint: Lathyrus aphaca is a legume plant. It is known as yellow pea or yellow vetchling. It is native plant of South Europe, some parts of Asia, and North Africa. It is considered as weed in few areas specially where it is introduced as a species like in North Africa and South Europe.

Complete answer:
 In this plant leaves are modified for the purpose of support because the stem in this plant is not so strong so supportive function leaves are modified.

> Option A - Spines: Spines are found in plants of the dry region for example dessert. These are pointed structures. Spines are helpful in plants of dry regions as these help in reducing water loss from plants and also protect the plants from animals.

> Option B -Tendrils: Tendrils are spiral shaped structures of plants, leaves are modified into tendrils of Lathyrus aphaca so as to provide support. These tendrils bind around with any support and help the plant in growing. So our answer is a tendrils.

> Option C - Scales: Leaves are modified into scales. Scales are thin, dry membranous structures. Their function is to protect the axillary bud and store up water and food. These provide covering to the plant.

> Option D - Stem like structures: There are structures that lack true leaves and have stem like structures as in bryophytes. They have stem like structure to perform various functions that help in their survival.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
Leaves are modified into various structures in many plants to perform some special functions.
- Storage Leaves
- Leaf Tendrils
- Leaf Spines
- Scale- leaves
- Leaflet hooks
- Leaf roots
- Phyllode
- Insect catching leaves

Note: Tendrils are generally consisting of leaves, stems or petiole but they do not have lamina or blade. Their function is to hold the plant up as it grows and can perform photosynthesis.