Lateral bud modifications among the following are
I) Tendrils of water melon
II) Cladophylls of Asparagus
III) Thorns of Bougainvillea
IV) Bulbils of Dioscorea

Options

A. I and II only
B. I and IV only
C. I, II and III only
D. I, II, III and IV

Answer

To determine which of the structures listed are modifications of lateral buds, we will analyze each option step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Lateral Bud Modifications
Lateral buds, also known as axillary buds, are found at the nodes of the stem and can undergo modifications to perform different functions. These modifications can lead to the formation of structures such as tendrils, thorns, cladophylls, and bulbils.

### Step 2: Analyze Each Option
1. **Tendrils of Watermelon**:
- Tendrils are slender, thread-like structures that help climbing plants to support themselves.
- They are indeed modifications of lateral buds, as they arise from axillary buds to provide support to the plant.
- **Conclusion**: This is a modification of lateral buds.

2. **Cladophylls of Asparagus**:
- Cladophylls are flattened, leaf-like stems that perform photosynthesis.
- In asparagus, the leaves are reduced, and the stem takes on the role of photosynthesis.
- Although cladophylls are stem modifications, they arise from the stem and not directly from lateral buds.
- **Conclusion**: This is not a modification of lateral buds.

3. **Thorns of Bougainvillea**:
- Thorns are sharp, pointed structures that serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores.
- They are formed from the modification of axillary buds.
- **Conclusion**: This is a modification of lateral buds.

4. **Bulbils of Dioscorea**:
- Bulbils are small bulbs that can develop into new plants and serve as a means of vegetative propagation and food storage.
- They are also formed from modifications of the stem, specifically from axillary buds.
- **Conclusion**: This is a modification of lateral buds.

### Step 3: Summarize the Findings
- **Tendrils of Watermelon**: Modification of lateral bud (Correct)
- **Cladophylls of Asparagus**: Not a modification of lateral bud (Incorrect)
- **Thorns of Bougainvillea**: Modification of lateral bud (Correct)
- **Bulbils of Dioscorea**: Modification of lateral bud (Correct)

### Final Answer:
The correct modifications of lateral buds among the given options are:
- I) Tendrils of Watermelon
- III) Thorns of Bougainvillea
- IV) Bulbils of Dioscorea