Question

Leaf tendrils and entire leaf tendrils are found in respectively-
a. Cucurbita, Smilax
b. Pisum, Lathyrus aphaca
c. Passiflora, Vitis
d. Luffa, Pisum

Answer 1

Hint: Sometimes, in response to certain environmental factors, the leaf is changed into the specialized structure to perform functions other than photosynthesis and transpiration.

Complete answer:
> Option A is incorrect. Modified branches in thorns of Bougainvillea and Cucurbita tendrils are found in axils of the leaves (common origin and same basic structure). In Smilax, stipulations are transferred to a tendril-like structure called tendril stipulations. These tendrils support climbing plants.

> Option B is correct. Leaf tendrils grow in poor stems in plants. The leaves are converted into thread-like structures that are called tendrils. These tendrils are climbing a nearby stick or wall and supporting the plant. The whole leaf in Lathyrus aphaca is transformed into a tendril and the stipulations extend to perform a leaf function. This plant is a common name for wild pea. The upper leaflets at Pisum sativum are transformed into tendrils.

> Option C is incorrect. Axillary buds grow as tendrils with reduced leaves and suppressed axillary buds in the passion flora (Passiflora; Passifloraceae) and grape (Vitis vinifera; Vitaceae); These axillary tendrils are simply modified and decreased inflorescences are in the grape.

> Option D is incorrect. Luffa is usually seen as extra-axillary, adapted to develop as reduced-leafed tendrils. The increase of the supporting potential of its tendrils has been quantified because of spiral contraction. As in Pisum sativum, where the apical leaves are made into tendrils, leaves can be converted into tendrils. The broad stipules, which are larger than the basal leaflets, can be differentiated from different species of both Lathyrus and Vicia.

Hence, The correct answer is option (B).

Note: Entire leaves or parts of the leaves are also modified for special purposes, such as climbing and substratum attachment, storage, predation or climatic defense, or insect prey trapping and digestion.