Question

The stalk of a leaf is known as the ________.

a. petiole

b. lamina

c. stipule

d. rachis

Short answer

a. Petiole

Step-by-step solution

Step-1 Introduction

Leaves are the main sites for the process of photosynthesis. In this process, plants synthesize their food. The pigment chlorophyll in leaf cells makes the leaf green. However, some leaves may have different colors, caused by different plant pigments other than green.

Step-2 Explanation

The widest part of the leaf is called the leaf lamina. Some leaves are attached to the plant stem by a stalk-like structure called a petiole. Sessile leaves are those leaves that are directly attached to the stem without a petiole. Stipules are the small green appendages that are usually present at the base of the petiole.

The lamina is the wider part of the leaf.

The stipule is the green appendages present at the base of the petiole.

Rachis is the extension of the petiole to the leaf blade.

Step-3 Final answer

Therefore, option ‘a’ is the correct answer.

The stalk-like structure which attaches the leaf to the stem is called the petiole.