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Leaves of many grasses are capable of fo...

Leaves of many grasses are capable of folding and unfolding because they

A

are very thin

B

are isobilateral

C

have specialised bulliform cells

D

have parallel vascular bundles

Text Solution

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The correct Answer is:
**Step-by-Step Solution:** 1. **Understanding Leaf Structure**: The leaves of grasses, which are monocots, have a unique structure that allows them to fold and unfold. The key components of this structure include the upper epidermis, lower epidermis, and mesophyll. 2. **Identifying Bulliform Cells**: Within the upper epidermis of the grass leaves, there are specialized cells known as bulliform cells (or motor cells). These cells play a crucial role in the folding and unfolding mechanism of the leaves. 3. **Function of Bulliform Cells**: Bulliform cells have the ability to absorb and lose water. When these cells absorb water, they swell and elongate, causing the leaf to unfold. Conversely, when they lose water, they shrink, leading to the folding of the leaf. 4. **Mechanism of Leaf Movement**: The movement of the leaf (folding and unfolding) is primarily due to the changes in the bulliform cells. When the leaf needs to conserve water (for instance, during dry conditions), the bulliform cells lose water, causing the leaf to roll up and reduce transpiration. When conditions are favorable, the cells absorb water, allowing the leaf to unfold. 5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the capability of grass leaves to fold and unfold is due to the presence of specialized bulliform cells in the upper epidermis, which respond to water availability. **Final Answer**: Leaves of many grasses are capable of folding and unfolding because they have specialized bulliform cells. ---
**Step-by-Step Solution:** 1. **Understanding Leaf Structure**: The leaves of grasses, which are monocots, have a unique structure that allows them to fold and unfold. The key components of this structure include the upper epidermis, lower epidermis, and mesophyll. 2. **Identifying Bulliform Cells**: Within the upper epidermis of the grass leaves, there are specialized cells known as bulliform cells (or motor cells). These cells play a crucial role in the folding and unfolding mechanism of the leaves. 3. **Function of Bulliform Cells**: Bulliform cells have the ability to absorb and lose water. When these cells absorb water, they swell and elongate, causing the leaf to unfold. Conversely, when they lose water, they shrink, leading to the folding of the leaf. ...
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