What are bulliform cells?

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Bulliform cells are large, bubble-shaped epidermal cells that occur in groups on the upper surface of the leaves of many monocots.These cells are present on the adaxial or the upper surface of the leaf. They are generally present near the mid vein. These cells are large,empty and colourless.

Definition of bulliform cel- One of the large thin-walled apparently empty cells that occur in the epidermis of many grass leaves and that by their turgor changes cause rolling and unrolling of the leaves thus regulating water loss —called also hygroscopic cell, motor cell

Answer

Answer

Bulliform Cells
Bulliform cells are specialized cells found in the leaves of grasses that play a crucial role in the regulation of water content and leaf movement. These cells are particularly important for plants growing in arid environments where water availability is limited.

Structure
- Bulliform cells are large, thin-walled cells located in the epidermis of grass leaves.
- They are typically found on the upper surface of the leaf and are arranged in rows perpendicular to the leaf veins.
- These cells are often clustered at the base of the leaf near the ligule.

Function
- The primary function of bulliform cells is to control leaf movement in response to fluctuations in water availability.
- When the plant experiences water stress, such as during drought conditions, bulliform cells lose turgor pressure and shrink, causing the leaf to fold or roll up.
- This rolling or folding of the leaf reduces the surface area exposed to the sun, thereby minimizing water loss through transpiration.
- Conversely, when water availability is sufficient, bulliform cells absorb water and become turgid, allowing the leaf to expand and maximize photosynthetic activity.

Adaptation to Arid Environments
- The presence of bulliform cells in grass leaves is an adaptation to arid environments where water conservation is essential for plant survival.
- By regulating leaf movement, bulliform cells help grasses cope with water stress and maintain optimal water balance.
- This adaptation enables grasses to thrive in dry conditions and withstand periods of drought.
In conclusion, bulliform cells are a fascinating example of how plants have evolved specialized structures to cope with environmental challenges, highlighting the remarkable complexity of plant biology.

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Bulliform cells are –

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Why there are large number of cells present instead of single cell in higher organism ?

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