Leaf Modifications and Transport Flashcards
Specialized Leaves
- Tendrils
- Spines
- Water storage
- Bracts
- Insect trapping
- Flower pot leaves
- Reproductive Leaves
Tendrils
Modified leaves for climbing or support
e.g. Pea
Spines
Modified leaves that reduce water loss, and
protect from herbivory.
e.g Cacti: Leaves replaced with sclerenchyma containing
spines (Cacti can have irritating hairs as well).
e.g. Barberry Spines
An Aside:
Thorns, Spines, Prickles
Thorns are modified
stems (arise in leaf axils)
Spines are modified
leaves (have buds at base)
Prickles are
outgrowths of epidermis or cortex
Water storage:
Have parenchyma cells with large vacuoles
e.g. Succulent Leaves of Jade Plant
- Bract:
A modified leaf at the base of a flower or flowers
- Insect Trapping Leaves e.g.
-Venus Fly Traps
-Pitcher Plant with downward
sloping hairs
-Sundew with sticky
glandular trichomes
- Flower-Pot Leaves
- Leaves develop into urn-like
pouches that become homes for
ant colonies. - Ants carry in soil and add
nitrogenous wastes that provide
a good growing medium for the
plant’s own roots, and the ants
also protect the plants
– Dischidia rafflesiana, an
epiphyte found in Australia
- Reproductive Leaves e.g.
e.g. Mother of Thousands
Water moves
– through and around
the
cell walls of the epidermis,
root hairs, and cortex, until
it reaches the endodermis.
Water moves across the
cell membranes
of the endodermal cells to
reach the xylem.
Water moves upwards through
the plant
via the xylem and diffuses
out through stomates