Question

Which part of the plant is modified into
(i) Pitcher in Pitcher plant
(ii) Tendril in Pumpkin
(iii) Haustoria in Cuscuta
(iv) Tendril in Pea

Answer 1

Hint: Different parts of the plant like leaves, stem, roots are modified to perform various functions like support, protection, and conduction of nutrients. Roots are modified for the purpose of food storage and support. Modification of leaves is done for a better rate of photosynthesis and protection.

Complete answer: Plants are living organisms that consist of highly differentiable parts such as roots, leaves, and stems. Different types of plants like shrubs, herbs, grasses, fern, and moss grow in the soil by absorbing water and nutrients from it. Plants are of two types. They are terrestrial plants and aquatic plants. Different types of plants are present in nature but their parts remain the same. These parts of plants such as roots, stem leaves undergo modifications according to their surrounding environment and adapt those changes for its survival.
i. Pitcher in Pitcher plant: In pitcher plants, the leaves of the plant are modified into pitchers. The reason for the modification is to protect the leaves and trap the insects.
ii. Tendril in pumpkin: For the purpose of support the stem in the pumpkin is modified into a tendril.
iii. Haustoria in Cuscuta: An example of a modified root or stem is haustoria in Cuscuta which helps in absorbing nutrients from other plants.
iv. Tendril in Pea: Leaf is modified into tendril in the pea plant for support.

Note: Roots are of two types. They are taproots and fibrous roots. Modification of roots takes place for food storage, mechanical support, and other vital functions. According to the requirement, stems modify themselves. Different modifications of the stem are underground modification, sub-aerial modification, and aerial modification. Leaves are modified to regulate the function of storage, protection, and support.