What is a modified shoot, examples and reasons for formation

In botany, a plant has certain components. The shoots are one of the largest and most significant parts. They perform many vital functions. As a result of evolution, modifications of shoots occur.

Content:

1. Escapes - what are they?
2. Types and classification
3. What are modified ground shoots?
4. Characteristics of underground shoots with changes

Escapes - what are they?

The shoot is the central organ of the plant, which has the abilities of vegetation and growth. It is a stem with branches, stems and kidneys.

The main task of the shoots is to carry out the respiratory function. The processes of photosynthesis, the formation of important organic substances and their transport into plant cells take place in the leaf blades.

The components of the escape are:

• Stem. The base and support of the plant.
• Leaves. Parts occupying a lateral position. Between the stem and the leaf there is a leaf axil, and above the leaf there is an axillary bud.
• Knot. The area of ​​the escape from which it departs sheet.

There are also underground shoots. They store organic matter.

Types and classification

In botany, there are different classifications of shoots. How are they distinguished?

By function

Vegetative is responsible for gas exchange and nutrition, includes the stem, leaves and buds.

Generative plays a role reproduction, it includes flowers, fruits and seeds.

On the development of internodes

In shortened shoots, the growth of internodes is insignificant. The type is inherent in dandelion, plantain, primrose.

The internodes of elongated shoots develop rapidly.

By location in space

Erect ones grow upward perpendicular to the ground. Characteristic of oats, poplar, sunflower.

Creeping shoots have a horizontal growth direction.

The ascenders grow horizontally, then rise vertically. These are the shoots of the cinquefoil.

Creeping shoots grow like creeping shoots, but take root with the help of adventitious roots. Vivid examples are strawberries, strawberry.

Curly ones include vines, bindweed, hops. Based on the name, it becomes clear that the shoots twine around supports or other plants.

Climbers are equipped with additional tools - suction cups, tendrils, thorns (ivy, grape).

Also in botany, underground and aboveground modified shoots are known. Let's look at what they are next.

What are modified ground shoots?

A modified shoot is a plant organ whose standard functions (stem, leaves) have been changed during the process of evolution or as a result of human intervention. Metamorphoses can be small or significant, affecting the stem, buds or leaves.

Aboveground shoots, in addition to the functions of photosynthesis and gas exchange, provide support and reproduction. The entire part above the ground or its individual components can be modified. Examples of modified above-ground shoots:

Thorn

It is a short, sharp shoot without leaves. The spines often play a reproductive or protective role. With their help, the seeds of some plants are attached to the fur of animals in order to be transported over long distances.

In wild fruit plants (pears, apple trees) spines perform a protective function. In hawthorn they replaced side shoots.

Tendril

Shoots resembling ropes without leaves provide additional support. They are necessary for those representatives of the flora who are not able to stand in an upright position themselves. Antennae are characteristic of cucumbers, melon, pumpkin, blue passionflower.

Cladodius

A side shoot subject to metamorphosis, capable of impressive growth, performs the functions of leaves. The shoots contain chlorophyll cells. The main task of cladodium is photosynthesis. The owners of such shoots are some cacti, prickly pear, and southern carmichelia.

Phyllocladium

Phyllocladies, like cladodes, play an important role in photosynthesis.

It is a leaf-shaped side shoot that performs the functions of leaves and resembles them in appearance. There are growth restrictions. Meets with representatives Asparazhevykh, as well as in phyllanthus, butcher's broom.

Characteristics of underground shoots with changes

Shoots that are underground, unlike those above ground, have completely different living conditions. Due to irreversible changes, new functions and capabilities are acquired: the ability to endure unfavorable times and accumulate organic substances. Modified above-ground shoots include:

Rhizome

An underground shoot with nodes, buds and additional roots. Carries out the growing season and stores the necessary substances for nutrition. Examples are wheatgrass, iris, horsetail, lily of the valley.

underground tuber

The main task of the tuber is to supply vital substances. Equipped with leaves and axillary buds. Suitable for reproduction. Jerusalem artichoke has such shoots and potato.

Bulb

An underground shortened shoot with a thickening from which adventitious roots grow. The stem is transformed into a bottom. Many owners of the bulb are representatives of the Liliaceae and Amaryllis families.

Garlic - also a modified shoot of this type. The bulbs are well suited for propagation.

Corm

A shoot with a thickened stem and adventitious roots. Covered with a protective layer of dry leaf bases. Corms, like most underground shoots, accumulate organic matter. Characteristic for gladiolus and saffron.

Klaudex

A type of shoot characteristic of herbs and shrubs with tap root systems. Claudex is equipped with kidneys, storing the necessary elements for life. Available in some Legumes, Apiaceae and Asteraceae (wormwood, alfalfa, ferula).

Shoots are the most important part of plants. As a result of the need for an additional supply of nutrition and protection from absorption by animals, certain metamorphoses occurred.

Now both wild and cultivated plants have modified shoots

For greater clarity, we suggest watching an interesting video about modified shoots: