Monocotyledons and dicotyledons are two groups of plants that both belong to a larger plant group called angiosperms. Angiosperms are flowering plants with circulatory systems, leaves, and the ability to generate seeds. Depending on a variety of traits, plants can be categorized as either monocots, also known as monocotyledons, or dicots, also known as dicotyledons.
Difference Between Monocotyledon and Dicotyledon
Differences between Monocotyledon and Dicotyledon are as follows:
|
Features |
Dicotyledon |
Monocotyledon |
|---|---|---|
|
Venation |
Reticulate venation is present in the leaves. | Parallel venation is present in the leaves. |
|
No. of Cotyledons |
Presence of two cotyledons in the seed. | Presence of single cotyledon in the seed. |
|
Root Radicle |
Primary root radicle persists as tap root. | The radicle doesn’t persist and a fibrous root is present. |
|
Flowers |
Flowers tetramerous or pentamerous. | Flowers trimerous. |
|
Pollen |
Tricolpate (3 furrows) pollen is present. | Monocolpate (1 furrow) pollen is present. |
|
Vascular bundles |
Vascular bundles are arranged in the form of a ring in stem. | Vascular bundles are scattered in the stem. |
What are Monocotyledons?
Monocotyledons are a group of flowering plants characterized by having a single embryonic leaf, or cotyledon, in their seeds. They are one of the two major groups of angiosperms, the other being dicotyledons. Monocots are distinguished from dicots by several features, including leaves with parallel veins, scattered vascular bundles in the stem, flower parts in multiples of three, and a fibrous root system. Examples of monocots include grasses, lilies, orchids, palm trees, and bamboo. Many monocots are important food crops, such as rice, wheat, corn, and sugarcane. Monocots are also valued for their ornamental and medicinal properties, and they play important roles in the ecosystems in which they occur.
Characteristics of Monocotyledons
Following are the chracteristics of monocotyledons:
- Unique floral structures: Monocots often have unique floral structures that are adapted for specific pollinators. For example, orchids have highly specialized flowers that are pollinated by specific insects.
- Lack of secondary growth: Monocots lack secondary growth. As a result, monocots have limited ability to grow tall and wide.
- Parallel leaf venation: Monocot leaves have parallel veins, which is different from the net-like venation found in dicot leaves. This feature is thought to be an adaptation for efficient water uptake.
- Fibrous root systems: Monocots have a fibrous root system, which consists of many thin, branching roots that spread out from the base of the plant. This type of root system is well adapted for anchoring the plant and absorbing nutrients from the soil.
- Economic importance: Many monocots are economically important as food crops, including rice, wheat, corn, and sugarcane. Other monocots, such as palm trees, are valued for their ornamental and cultural significance.
What are Dicotyledons?
Dicotyledons, also known as dicots, refer to a group of flowering plants characterized by the presence of two embryonic leaves or cotyledons in their seeds. This group of plants belongs to the larger group of angiosperms, which are plants that bear flowers and produce seeds enclosed within fruits. Dicots often have two seed leaves, net-like veins on their leaves, flower parts that are multiples of four or five, and a taproot system. Dicots are characterized by their capacity to create secondary growth, which enables them to enlarge in diameter over time. This is done via lateral meristem activity, which generates new cells in a layer known as the cambium. The xylem and phloem tissue that carries water, nutrients, and carbohydrates throughout the plant is produced as the cambium cells divide. Many dicotyledonous species eventually develop woody branches and trunks as a result of this process.
Characteristics of Dicotyledons
Following are the characteristics of Dicotyledons:
- Dicotyledons, or dicots for short, are a group of flowering plants that are distinguished by their characteristic of having two embryonic leaves or cotyledons in their seeds.
- They are one of the two major groups of angiosperms, with the other group being monocotyledons.
- Some of the key features of dicotyledons include leaves with net-like vein patterns, stems with vascular bundles arranged in a ring, flowers with parts in multiples of four or five, a taproot system that includes a large central root, and the ability to produce secondary growth due to the activity of the vascular cambium.
- Dicots are also economically significant as many of them, such as beans, peas, soybeans, and lentils, serve as important food crops, while others like roses, sunflowers, and oak trees have ornamental and cultural value.
- All of these special characteristics and adaptations make dicots an important and diverse group of flowering plants.
FAQs on Monocotyledon and Dicotyledon
1. What are differences between monocots and dicots roots?
Answer:
Dicot and monocot roots can be distinguished Son a number of different bases, including cambium, pith, cortical area, etc. Dicotyledons have a tiny or undeveloped pith, in contrast to monocotyledons, which have a well-developed pith. The growth that comes from vascular and cork cambium is known as secondary growth.
2. What are the differences between monocot and dicot?
Answer:
Four fundamental structural characteristics set monocots apart from dicots: leaves, stems, roots, and flowers. However, the distinctions begin with the seed, which is where the plant’s life cycle begins. The plant’s embryo is located inside the seed. Dicots have two cotyledons, whereas monocots only have one.
3. What are some special characteristics of monocots?
Answer:
Monocot plants are distinguished by their adventitious root system, parallel-veined leaves, dispersed vascular bundles in the stem, and seeds with a single cotyledon.
4. Is tomato a dicot plant?
Answer:
Plants that generate seeds with two cotyledons are called dicots. Examples of dicots include legumes (peas, beans, lentils, and peanuts), daisies, mint, lettuce, tomatoes, and oak.
5. Is Mango a monocot?
Answer:
The mango plant is not monocot. Mangifera indica is the official scientific name for mango. Due to the fact that this plant’s seed contains two cotyledons, it is a dicotyledonous species.