Page 2 - 4. The Leaf, Functions and modifications of leaves
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Modifications of leaves
• In some plants, the leaves are modified to perform some special functions other
than their regular functions of manufacture of food, exchange of gases for
respiration and photosynthesis and transpiration. Leaves could be modified to:
❖ Reduce transpiration: Leaves in cacti are modified to form spines to reduce water
loss by transpiration. The spines act as defence mechanism too protecting the plant
from animals who could eat the leaves.
❖ To trap insects: In insectivorous plants, such as the pitcher plant, the leaf is modified
to form a pitcher for capturing insects. The pitcher plant can perform photosynthesis
but tends to capture insects as it is found growing in the soil deficient in nitrogen.
❖ In some plants the tip of the leaf is modified to form a tendril to provide extra
support to the plant. Example garden pea, Gloriosa etc
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