Question

In Opuntia, the function of photosynthesis is carried out by
A) Cladode
B) Phyllode
C) Phylloclade
D) Stipules

Answer 1

Opuntia also called prickly pear is a genus of cactus Family, Cactaceae. It is a large, trunk forming, segmented cactus that grows upto 5-7 meter with a crown of 3m in diameter. Prickly pear grows with rounded and flat cladodes.

Complete answer:
->The flowers of opuntia are large, solitary, bisexual, axillary and epiperigynous.
->The stamens are numerous with spiral clusters and gynoecium has various ovaries per carpel present inferiorly.
->Placentation is parietal.
->Fruit is a berry with arillate seeds.
->Opuntia ficus-indica thrives in regions of mild winter with occasional rain and low humidity. Mean annual rainfall of 350-500 mm required for optimal growth rates. This species proliferates in numerous soils which should be well-drained ranging from subacid to subalkaline. Prickly pears are native only to the Americas, abundant in Mexico.

Uses:
->In dye production.
->For animal fodder.
->Source of vegan leather.
->For fuel.
->For bioplastic.
Leaves are important for photosynthesis. Phylloclades are green, flattened and fleshy with unlimited growth. The leaves of this plant are modified into spines or scales to check transpiration. These are seen in xerophytic like Opuntia, Euphorbia etc.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘C’ phylloclade.

Note: - Photosynthesis may be defined as a process by which organisms and green plants form nutrients from carbon dioxide and water. The byproduct obtained from photosynthesis in plants is Oxygen.