What is a tendril? Name the two types of tendrils.

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Detailed Solution

A tendril is a slender, twining organ of a climbing plant that wraps around support for climbing. There are two main types of tendrils: stem tendrils and leaf/leaf-tip tendrils.

In botany, a tendril is a modified plant structure (stem, leaf, leaflet, or petiole) that is flexible and coils around nearby objects to support the plant’s growth upward. It allows climbing plants to secure themselves to supports.

Types of tendrils:

Stem tendrils: These originate from stem nodes or modified stems. Example: the stem tendrils in the plant Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) or Vitis vinifera (grape vine).
Leaf/leaf-tip tendrils: These arise from leaf modifications such as petiole, leaflet or leaf tip. Example: the pea plant Pisum sativum has leaf-tip tendrils.

Function and significance:

Tendrils sense contact and coil around objects to anchor the plant and help it climb.
By climbing, plants access light, avoid ground competition, and support heavy foliage.

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