Dictionary > Phyllode

Phyllode

Definition
noun, plural: phyllodes
(1) A modified petiole in some plants in which the petiole is characteristically flattened resembling and performing functions similar to a true leaf, even replacing the true leaves as major photosynthetic structure in certain plant groups.
(2) (bryology) The leaf-like, green structure in moss plants involved in light capturing, photosynthesis, and water absorption.
Supplement
In flowering plants, a petiole is generally slender and chiefly renders support by attaching the leaf blade to the stem. In some plants, the petioles become modified or specialized in a way that they become leaf-like in appearance (expanded) and serve not only to support the leaf but to carry out photosynthesis as well. An example is the acacia. The phyllodes of Acacia koa for instance are thick and coriaceous helping the plant in surviving stressful environment.
In mosses, the phyllodes refer to the leaf-like structures of the moss plant in the gametophyte stage. The phyllodes are not regarded as true leaves although similar in appearance and function. It is because phyllodes do not have vascular tissues.
Word origin: from New Latin phyllodium, from Greek phullōdēs (leaflike)


You will also like...

Schematic diagram of bacterial lactose operon
Gene Action – Operon Hypothesis

Learn how the way genes control and determine every aspect of the body. This lesson uses lac operon as an example. ..

..

Wart-like leaf galls on grape leaves
Plant Cell Defense

Plants protect themselves by releasing hydrogen peroxide to fight against fungal invasion. Another way is by secreting c..

Protein (illustration)
Protein Variety

The sequence of amino acids determines the type of protein. Protein is synthesized according to the sequence of nucleoti..

An artistic depiction of Dunkleosteus fish
Fish

The sea was teeming with life. Eventually, through reproduction and continued variation, fish came about. There are over..

Chemical composition of the body
Chemical Composition of the Body

The body is comprised of different elements with hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen as the major four. This tutorial..

Bryophytes
Bryophytes

Bryophytes (nonvascular plants) are a plant group characterized by lacking vascular tissues. They include the mosses, th..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics