The needle like cladodes of Asparagus are metamorphosed stem for

Options

A. reducing transpiration
B. increasing photosynthesis
C. protecting plant from browsing
D. none of the above.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Cladodes**: Cladodes are modified stems that take on the role of leaves in certain plants. In the case of asparagus, these needle-like structures are specifically called cladodes or cladophylls.

2. **Function of Cladodes**: The primary function of these cladodes is to perform photosynthesis. They are green and can carry out this function, especially since the true leaves of the asparagus plant are reduced to spines.

3. **Structure of Cladodes**: Cladodes in asparagus are slightly flattened, fleshy, and can be either straight or curved. They grow in clusters in the axils of scale leaves, which are the reduced true leaves.

4. **Transpiration and Leaf Reduction**: In plants like asparagus, the reduction of true leaves to spines is a significant adaptation. This adaptation helps in reducing transpiration, which is the loss of water from the plant. By having spines instead of broad leaves, the plant minimizes water loss.

5. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A (Reducing transpiration)**: This is correct because the modification of leaves to spines helps to reduce water loss.
- **Option B (Increasing photosynthesis)**: This is incorrect because while cladodes can perform photosynthesis, the absence of true leaves means that the overall photosynthetic capacity is limited.
- **Option C (Protecting plants from browsing)**: This is also incorrect as the primary function of the spines is not to protect from browsing but to reduce transpiration.
- **Option D (None of the above)**: This option is incorrect as option A is valid.

6. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question is **Option A: Reducing transpiration**.

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