Differences between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms? What makes them unique?
Angiosperms are believed to have evolved from gymnosperms. A significant difference between the angiosperm and the gymnosperm is that the angiosperms contain large water-conducting vessels in their wood whereas the gymnosperms have small conducting tubes (Rice, 2009). Additionally, the life cycle of angiosperms is much faster than that for gymnosperms. Fertilization in angiosperms may take a few days whereas in gymnosperms fertilization may take up to a year (Rice, 2009). The unique feature that makes angiosperms different from gymnosperms is that angiosperms have double fertilization (Rice, 2009).
Ovary of a Plant
The ovary of plant forms is a part of the female structure in a flower. It is located at the bottom of the flower and is usually swollen (Roberts and Mitchelmore, 2000). Fertilization takes place in the ovary. The ovary contains small bodies called ovules, which are attached to the wall of the ovary by short stalks. Once fertilization takes place, the ovule may develop into a seed. After fertilization, the ovule develops into a fruit (Roberts and Mitchelmore, 2000). Depending on its location, the ovary may be either superior or inferior. A superior ovary is normally located above other floral parts whereas the inferior ovary is located below the floral parts. The fruit then attracts animals that eat it hence contributing to dispersal of the seeds contained in the fruit.
What is Fungal Reproduction? What are fruiting bodies?
According to Stefoff (2008), fungi can reproduce either sexually or asexually. Asexual reproduction may occur through budding. This is when a small outgrowth in the fungi grows until it is large enough to survive on its own (Stefoff, 2008). Additionally, asexual reproduction may occur through fission. That is the parent cell divides into two cells. Sexual reproduction occurs when hypha from one mycelium fuses with a hypha from the other mycelium (Stefoff, 2008).
According to Stefoff (2008), a fruiting body is an outgrowth of the mycelium that releases spores. It forms on the outer part of the mycelium during sexual reproduction.
Rice, S. A. (2009). Encyclopedia of evolution. New York, N.Y.: Facts on File.
Roberts, M. B., & Mitchelmore, J. (2000). Biology for CXC. Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, Eng.:
Nelson.
Stefoff, R. (2008). The fungus kingdom. Tarrytown, N.Y.: Marshall Cavendish Benchmark.
