Modified Leaf of a Plant

Many plants have adapted to have leaves that aid in water retention, defense, or growth and reproduction. Some leaves trap insects to provide the plant with nitrogen.

This succulent plant has modified leaves that allow it to survive in dry climates. The leaves retain water but also minimize surface area and water loss.

Tropism

Growth response that results in movement toward or away from stimuli.

This plant grows up the side of the house and wraps around the gutter. This is an example of thigmotropism, the curvature of a plant in response to a touch stimulus.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process in which a limited amount of ATP is produced from glucose. Fermentation produces a characteristic end product.

This runner's muscle cells are carrying out lactic acid fermentation. When the muscles do not have enough oxygen for aerobic respiration, lactic acid fermentation occurs .Lactic acid, which may be responsible for muscle soreness, is produced as a byproduct. 

CAM Plant

Plants that use crassulacean acid metabolism, an adaptation for photosynthesis in arid conditions.

This is a photo of an orchid. Many orchids obtain water from the air or rain rather than from their roots. This means that, like plants in arid climates, orchids must conserve water. Plants that use crassulacean acid metabolism acquire CO2 at night when the stomata are open. During the day, the Calvin cycle takes place and the stomata are closed to prevent water loss.

Adaptation of a Plant

Feature that allows the plant to live in a particular place.

Cacti have adapted to withstand the desert climate by minimizing water loss and maximizing water intake. Specifically, these plants have stems that can store water, spines rather than leaves, and large root systems. 

Xylem

Vascular plant tissue consisting primarily of dead cells that conducts water and minerals upward from the roots.

Another function of xylem, which contains woody fibers, is support. The word xylem comes from the Greek word for wood, xulon. The log in the photo is made of xylem.

Seed Dispersal

The transport of seeds away from the parent plant.

The seeds of this plant are transported by the wind. Seeds of other plants are dispersed by animals or by the plant itself.