Are these Monocots or Dicots?

Differences in Monocots & Dicots

• Answer:

  Monocotyledonae and dicotyledonae are two different types of flowering plants, called monocots and dicots for short. Several key differences exist between the two. Some of the differences require dissection or the aid of microscopic equipment to detect while other distinctions are apparent just by looking at them. Embryo The embryo of a monocot contains a single cotyledon, which is the part of the seed that becomes the first set of leaves for the plant. The cotyledon inside a monocot is a thin seed-leaf. Dicots have two cotyledons that are rounded and flat in shape. The cotyledon in a monocot is used for energy during the growth of the embryo. Dicots use their cotyledons for early energy, but they aren't used up until the first leaves capable of photosynthesis grow. Venation Venation refers to the pattern of veins in the leaves. Veins are made of vascular tissue, and the plant uses them to transport nutrients and water. The major veins in monocots are parallel to one another, with much smaller veins connecting them; this is called "parallel venation." The veins in a dicot branch out from a central vein; this is called "netted" or "reticulated" venation. Flower Parts If you count the number of floral parts, such as the petals, monocots usually have parts arranged in numbers divisible by three. Dicots usually have numbers of parts divisible by four or five. Not all monocots and dicots produce obvious flowers, and some produce flowers rarely, so it is not always easy to observe this distinction. Pollen Pollen contains the reproductive cells for flowering plants. Different types of pollen are classified by the number of elongated furrows on individual pollen grains. Pollen grains from monocots have a single furrow, extending from the outer layer. Pollen from dicots have three furrows. Studying individual pollen grains requires the aid of a microscope. Internal Stem Structure Both monocots and dicots are vascular plants, which means they use vascular tissue to transport water and minerals. In addition to the differences in the internal leaf structure, the vascular system of monocots and dicots is arranged differently. Vascular bundles in monocots are scattered throughout the stem, while the bundles in dicots form along the perimeter of the stem.