Plants are an important part of the ecosystem. All life on earth depends directly or indirectly on plants. Leaves are the most essential parts of the plant.
Leaves basically have two functions: photosynthesis and transpiration. In some plants, it also assumes the responsibility of reproduction.
Structure of a Leaves
Leaves are thin, flat parts in plants responsible for photosynthesis. It grows laterally on the nose. It is an essential component of shoot function and is derived from shoot apical meristems.
Parts of a Leaf
Leaf Base: This is the part where the leaf attaches to the stem. The leaf base has two small leaf-like stipules. In rice, wheat, and other monocot plants, this leaf base is broad and covers the stem.
Petiole: The flower is a long, slender stem that joins the leaf of the leaf to the stem.
Lamina: Also known as sheet block. The flat green side of the leaves. It has a small branch artery and veins. The artery running in the middle of the lamina is called the medial parietal. The middle septum divides the lamina into two parts. These veins and veins give the leaves rigidity and facilitate the transport of water and other substances.
Types of Leaves
There are two broad types of leaves – simple and compound, which are further divided into different groups according to size, shape, their arrangement on the stem, leaves of flowering and non-flowering plants, and other characteristics of physical differences.
When one song is connected by the team to the main root, the paper is easier. The extra leaf is cut to any depth but not down to the center or stem. Like a guava leaf
A composite sheet is a sheet of paper made up of two or more sheets. In a compound leaf, the central part of the leaf branches into separate leaves and is connected by a single lamina. For example, peanuts and palm leaves.
Modification Of Leaves
We know that leaves produce light differently. In addition, they also have other important functions, such as support, food storage, defense, etc. They are specifically adapted for each of these functions.
For Example, there are various modified leaves such as walnut leaves, cactus spines, onions and insectivorous plant leaves.
- Storage Leaves
- Leaf Tendrils
- Leaf Spines
- Scale Leaves
- Leaflet Hooks
- Leaf Roots
- Phyllode
Functions of Leaves
- Photosynthesis is the main function of leaves.
- They convert carbon dioxide, water and UV light into glucose through the process of photosynthesis.
- Excess water from plants is released into the atmosphere. This is done by opening the columns in the leaves.
- The removal of excess water from the xylem at the leaf margins during root closure is known as gutting.
- Leaves are the site of photosynthesis. That is why they store water and food.
- Large succulent leaves are preferred for water retention.
- Some leaves become spines to prevent damage or predation. For example, Opuntia.
