Page 3 - 2. Lesson Notes- The Leaf, Functions and modifications of leaves
P. 3
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
to trap insects
To form tendrils.
In plants such as the cactus, which grow in the deserts, the leaves are
modified to form spines to reduce transpiration. The spines are also defensive
in function and protect the plants from the animals which could chew the
leaves. The stem is flat and green and carries on with the process of
photosynthesis.
CACTUS
