Question

What is phylloclade?
a. Modification of stem for support
b. Modification of root for storage
c. Modification of leaves to reduce transpiration
d. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Phylloclade is the modification of stem in plants for carrying out photosynthesis, as well as for structural support and survival.

Complete answer:
Phylloclade is a special modified stem which is photosynthetic and is present mostly in xerophytes (i.e. land plants). The plants in dry and arid regions modify their stems to achieve adaptability in that environment for their better survival. For example: Opuntia

Additional information:
As you know that the stem helps in providing structure and support to the plant. Further, it is modified into three important types:
1. Underground Modifications: in this the underground stems are modified for food storage and to survive under unfavorable conditions. Some of the underground stem modifications are: Rhizomes, bulb, corm, and tuber.
2. Sub-aerial Modifications: In these kinds of plants, the stem is partly above the ground and partly below the ground. These consist of Runner, sucker, stolon and offset.
3. Aerial Modifications: These stems are modified into aerial forms to perform important functions such as climbing, food storage, vegetative propagation, and protection. The modifications of this group are Stem tendrils, thorns, phylloclade, cladodes, bulbils, and thalamus.

Note: Various plants are known to have modified plant parts like roots for storage and functions; stems for storage, support, structure and environment; leaves into leaf hook, leaf spine, leaf tendril, leaf bladder etc. to adapt better to the environment.