Question

Which of the following performs photosynthesis and manufactures food in cactus plants?
a. Roots
b. Stems
c. Leaves
d. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The method of photosynthesis in the cactus is different as the leaves are reduced to spines in order to minimise the rate of transpiration. Here in them, the work of the leaves is taken over by another green part of the plant.

Complete answer:
Photosynthetic pigment like chlorophyll is really important for photosynthesis. In xerophytic plants such as cactus, leaves are restricted to spines to minimise water loss by stomata. It makes food in its stem in the cactus like any other plant as it contains chlorophyll and photosynthesis takes place through the stem.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
Hydrolase enzymes remain essential for the body as they have degradative properties. In lipids, From specialised structures called areolas, a kind of highly reduced branch, cactus spines are produced. An distinguishing trait of cacti is areoles. Areoles give rise to flowers, and also spines, which are typically tubular and multi petaled. Many cacti possess short growing seasons and long dormancies, and are able to respond quickly to any precipitation, supported by a large but relatively shallow root system that rapidly absorbs any water reaching the surface of the ground.

Note: Cactus stems are sometimes ribbed or fluted, which helps them to expand or contract easily for fast water absorption after rain, followed by long drought periods. As part of photosynthesis, like all other succulent plants, most cacti employ a special mechanism called "crassulacean acid metabolism" (CAM). Transpiration, during which carbon dioxide reaches the plant and water getaway, does not take place at the same time as photosynthesis during the day, but happens at night instead.