Anatomy of Flowering Plants
Plant Tissues
- Meristematic: Cells capable of division and growth, found in areas like apical meristem (tips of roots and stems), lateral meristem (cambium), and intercalary meristem (base of leaves or stems).
- Permanent: Mature, non-dividing cells with specific functions.
Tissue Systems
1. Epidermal Tissue System:
- Outermost layer, protects against water loss and injury.
- Contains stomata for gas exchange and guard cells to regulate stomatal opening.
- May have trichomes (hair-like structures) for protection or absorption.
2. Ground Tissue System:
- Bulk of the plant body.
- Includes parenchyma (storage and photosynthesis), collenchyma (support), and sclerenchyma (mechanical strength).
3. Vascular Tissue System:
- Conducts water, minerals, and food.
- Xylem: water and minerals from roots to leaves.
- Phloem: Transports food from leaves to other plant parts.
Root
- Tap root: Primary root grows longer than secondary roots (e.g., carrot).
- Fibrous root: Many similar-sized roots (e.g., grass).
- Root cap: Protects the root tip.
- Root hair: Increases surface area for absorption.
Stem
- Herbaceous: Soft and green.
- Woody: Hard and brown.
- Nodes: Points where leaves and branches arise.
- Internodes: Spaces between nodes.
- Vascular bundles: Arranged in different patterns (e.g., scattered in monocots, arranged in a ring in dicots).
Leaf
- Petiole: Stalk that attaches leaf to stem.
- Lamina: Flat, expanded part for photosynthesis.
- Veins: Network of vascular bundles for transport.
- Margin: Edge of the leaf.
- Apex: Tip of the leaf.
Flower
- Sepals: Outermost whorl, green and protective.
- Petals: Colorful whorl, attracts pollinators.
- Stamens: Male reproductive organs, consisting of filament and anther.
- Carpel: Female reproductive organ, consisting of stigma, style, and ovary.
Fruit
- Ovary: Ripened ovary containing seeds.
- Pericarp: Outer layer of the fruit.
- Seed: Embryo enclosed in a protective coat.
Secondary Growth
- Occurs in plants with cambium.
- Formation of secondary xylem (wood) and secondary phloem (inner bark).
- Increase in girth of the stem and root.
Remember to include diagrams and illustrations to enhance understanding.
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FAQs on Anatomy of Flowering Plants
What is the difference between monocots and dicots?
- Monocots: Have one cotyledon (seed leaf), parallel venation in leaves, and scattered vascular bundles in stems.
- Dicots: Have two cotyledons, net-like venation in leaves, and vascular bundles arranged in a ring in stems.
What is the function of stomata?
Stomata are tiny pores on the epidermis of leaves that regulate gas exchange. They allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit the plant, while also controlling water loss through transpiration.
What is the difference between xylem and phloem?
- Xylem: Transports water and minerals from roots to leaves.
- Phloem: Transports food (sugars) from leaves to other plant parts.
What is the role of root hair?
Root hair increases the surface area of the root, allowing for more efficient absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
What is the difference between primary and secondary growth in plants?
- Primary growth: Occurs in apical meristems and results in the plant growing taller and longer.
- Secondary growth: Occurs in lateral meristems (cambium) and results in the plant growing thicker and wider.
What is the function of the flower?
The flower is the reproductive organ of a plant. It contains male reproductive structures (stamens) and female reproductive structures (carpels). The flower's primary function is to attract pollinators and facilitate fertilization.
What is the difference between a fruit and a seed?
- Fruit: A ripened ovary that contains seeds. It protects the seeds and aids in their dispersal.
- Seed: A mature ovule that contains the embryo and a food supply (endosperm). It is the plant's reproductive unit.
What is the role of the cambium?
The cambium is a layer of meristematic tissue that produces new xylem and phloem cells, leading to secondary growth. This process results in the formation of wood and bark.
