Bulliform Cells & Leaf Curling — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2026In grasses, certain adaxial epidermal cells along the veins modify themselves into large, empty, colourless cells. These are called bulliform cells. When the bulliform cells in the leaves have absorbed water and are turgid, the leaf surface is exposed. When they are flaccid due to water stress, they make the leaves curl inwards to minimise water loss.
Bulliform cells are specialized, empty epidermal cells in grass leaves that regulate leaf shape based on water availability. When turgid (water-filled), they keep leaves flat and exposed; when flaccid (water-stressed), they cause leaves to curl inward, reducing water loss. Students often confuse these cells with guard cells or think they're involved in photosynthesis—they're not. The key is understanding their mechanical role: water loss → flaccidity → leaf curling. NTA tests this to assess whether you understand plant adaptations to water stress and cellular response mechanisms. Remember: bulliform cells work by changing turgor pressure, not by structural changes.
This paragraph was tested 2 times in NEET.
The main function of bulliform cells in grasses is
Bulliform cells are responsible for:
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