Question : Consider the following statements. (i)In Gynandropsis, Passiflora , etc., thalamus is elongated and shows well developed nodes and internodes. (ii)The floral buds in Agave, Allium , etc. , may sometimes get modified into vegetative buds or bulbils. (iii)Sepals are concerned with protection of flowers in bud condition and petals help to attract insects for pollination. (iv)Stamens and carpels serve as the male and female reproductive organs respectively. Which of the following combinations of above statements provides an evidence that flower is a modified shoot ?

Question : Consider the following statements. (i)In Gynandropsis, Pas

1.	Question : Consider the following statements. (i)In Gynandropsis, Passiflora , etc., thalamus is elongated and shows well developed nodes and internodes. (ii)The floral buds in Agave, Allium , etc. , may sometimes get modified into vegetative buds or bulbils. (iii)Sepals are concerned with protection of flowers in bud condition and petals help to attract insects for pollination. (iv)Stamens and carpels serve as the male and female reproductive organs respectively. Which of the following combinations of above statements provides an evidence that flower is a modified shoot ?
Answer» (i) and (ii) (ii) and (iii) (iii) and (iv) (i) and (iv) Solution :Flower is a modified shoot, which is DIVIDED into nodes and internodes like an ORDINARY vegetative shoot. However, since the flowering shoot is highly compressed, the distinction between nodes and internodes is lost. In Gynandropsis gynandra PASSIFLORA, etc., thalamus is elongated and SHOWS well developed nodes and internodes between the floral organs. The floral buds in Agave, Allium, etc., are modified into vegetative buds/bulbils. This shows reversion to the orginal structure, i.e., vegetative BUD from which these have developed.