The correct option is (a).
Explanation
A typical leaf consists of three main parts: the leaf base, the petiole, and the lamina (leaf blade). Understanding the morphological distinction between vegetative parts (leaves) and reproductive parts (flowers) is essential for plant identification.
Statement 1 is Correct:
The petiole is the stalk-like structure that connects the leaf blade to the stem. It helps hold the leaf blade to the light, allowing for efficient photosynthesis. The leaf base is the point where the petiole attaches to the stem.
Statement 2 is Incorrect:
The broad, green, expanded part of the leaf is called the lamina or leaf blade. It contains veins and veinlets that provide rigidity and transport channels. A sepal is a part of a flower (specifically the calyx), typically green and leaf-like, which protects the flower in the bud stage.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
Not all leaves possess a petiole. Leaves that are attached directly to the stem without a stalk are called sessile leaves. This arrangement is common in many monocots, such as wheat, rice, and grass.
Key Takeaway:
The lamina is the main photosynthetic surface of a leaf, while the petiole is the stalk connecting it to the stem. Leaves lacking a petiole are termed sessile. Sepals are floral structures, not leaf parts.