Preparing for NEET and already feeling overwhelmed with the towering syllabus staring at you? Well, though keeping calm won’t help, you can feel a bit relaxed as we are here to help you with some of the complex topics.
Yes! You heard it right. In this article, we are beginning with one of the most important topics, i.e., the morphology of flowering plants. So, wait no more and read carefully!
Here is everything you need to know about the morphology of flowering plants:
What is Morphology?
Let us begin with this basic question. Morph means ‘form’ while logy is ‘study’. Hence, morphology is the study of form and structure. In biology, it generally refers to the science that deals with the external structure, feature and form of the plants.
Now the flowering plants or angiosperms as they are defined in biological terminology, consist of an axis, shoot system, and root system. Below is a simple explanation to all:
What is Root System?
As the name suggests, this is underground part of the flowering plant which develops from the germinating seed. There are various types of root which include:
- Tap Root System: In this type of root system, the primary root is an anchoring root from which various other branches or secondary roots grow in different directions. Mustard plant has taproots so do check one out if you get the chance.
- Adventitious Root System: Now in this root system, the roots develop from any part of the flowering plant. The best example would be a banyan tree.
- Fibrous Root System: Think of the opposite of tap root system, and you will easily understand fibrous root system. It refers to the thin roots branching out of the stem which does not penetrate deeper into the soil. Wheat plant is one of the best examples to understand this type of root system.
Functions of Root System:
- Providing proper support to the plant
- Absorbing water and minerals from the soil
- Storing reserve food material
- Synthesizing plant growth regulators
To perform some specific functions, roots in some plants often modify themselves. Here are some of the modifications of roots:
Modification for Support: Some roots like the one from banyan tree originate from the branches to provide maximum support to the plants.
Modification for Food Storage: Roots of plants like beetroot, sweet potato and carrot swell and store food.
Modification for Respiration: Plants that grow in swampy areas have pneumatophores roots. These roots come out of the ground and grow upwards for better respiration. Rhizophora is one such plant.
What is Shoot System?
This refers to that part of the plant which grows upwards and consists of stem, branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. Below we will briefly describe important parts like stem, leaves and flowers.
Stem
Developing from the plumule of the germinating seed, it helps in the conductions of water, mineral and food material to other parts of the plant. It bears nodes (the point from where the leaf arises) and internodes (the part between two nodes).
Just like roots, stems of different plants also modify to perform various functions. Some of them include:
Modification for Food Storage: Some plants have bulbil that swells and stores food. Onion is the best to understand this type of modified stem.
Modification for Photosynthesis: Plants like asparagus have flattened step called cladode for photosynthesis.
Modification for Protection: Thorns are the modified stem that protects the plants like a rose.
Modification for Support: Plants like cucumber have tendrils that are twining strands which support the plant and allow it to climb.
Leaf
In simple words, leaf is a flat green part of the plant that comes out from the stem. It performs important functions like photosynthesis and transpiration. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Parts of Leaf:
- Node is the point from where the leaf originates
- Lamina is the green part of the leaf which has the veins which are furthermore divided into Parallel Venation and Reticulate Venation
- Petiole is the stalk of the leaf
- Stipules are the two lateral leaf life structures attached at the leaf base
Flower
Another essential part of the external structure of the plant, the flower is the modified shoot. The main function of a flower is a reproduction. Flowers contain pollen and tiny eggs called ovules that turn into fruits after the pollination and fertilization. The arrangement of flower on the floral axis is known as inflorescence which is divided into two major types, namely, Racemose and Cymose.
Structure of Flower
- Sepals are the green leafy structure that covers the flower bud
- Petals are the colorful structure of the plant that attracts insects for pollination
- Gynoecium is the female reproductive structures of the flower which is composed of carpels
- Carpels comprise three structures: Ovary, Style, and Stigma
- Androecium is the male part of the flower which comprises stamen
- Stamen consists of anther and filament in which the former contains pollen grains
This was just the brief outline of morphology of flowering plants. If you wish to get a detailed version, grab hold of best study material for NEET from institutes like Aakash Institute and be exam ready. All the best!