Question

Stem tendrils are found in
A. Cucurbita and Pisum
B. Pisum and Lathyrus
C. Vitis and passiflora
D. Smilax and Geranium

Answer 1

Hint: Stem tendrils are found in Vitis and Passiflora. Tendril is referred to as a modified stem or leaf. It is found in some plants. It performs functions like support, attachments, and sometimes invasion. For example- In plants like grapevine and pumpkins, stem tendrils expand from axillary buds for climbing. These are slender shaped and spirally coiled structures. They do not have a lamina or blade but they do perform photosynthesis.

Complete answer:
Option (A) is Cucurbita and Pisum
Cucurbita belongs to the genus of herbaceous vines and gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. It is native to the Andes and Mesoamerica. Pisum belongs to the genus of the family Fabaceae and is native to southwest Asia and northeast Africa. Both of them don't contain stem tendrils.

Option (B) is Pisum and Lathyrus
Pisum belongs to the genus of the family Fabaceae and is native to southwest Asia and northeast Africa. Whereas, the genus of Lathyrus lies in the legume family Fabaceae and contains approximately 160 species. Pisum and Lathyrus don't show stem tendrils.

Option (C) - Vitis and passiflora
 Modified stems or leaves known as tendrils are seen in Vitis and passiflora.
These tendrils develop from either the axillary bud or the terminal bud of the stem. Specifically, In Passiflora, the tendrils develop from the axillary bud. Whereas In Cissus quadrangularis and in Vitis vinifera the terminal bud develops into tendrils.

Option (D) is Smilax and Geranium
Smilax, belonging to genus plants in the family Smilacaceae, comprises about 300 species of the woody or herbaceous vines. Whereas, Geranium is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are generally known as geraniums or cranesbills. They don't have stem tendrils.

Hence, The correct answer is option (C).

Note: In botany, a tendril is a modified stem, leaf, or petiole of a threadlike shape. Its use in climbing plants is to give support, attachment, and cellular invasion by parasitic plants, commonly by twining around suitable hosts found by touch.