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Flowers
Why a Flower?
The Reproductive Structure of
Flowering Plants:
Perianth
Petal: Corolla
Sepal:Calyx
Flower Anatomy
perfect
imperfect imperfect
Flower Structure Variation
Ovary Position
complete
incomplete
no stamens present = incomplete
Inflorescences
raceme spike
corymb umbel
Inflorescences
spadix head
catkin
Pollen Dispersal by Animals
Bees, Beetles, Bats, Birds, Butterflies, etc
Symmetry
Flowers that are actinomorphic have
"radial symmetry", meaning they can be
divided into symmetrical halves by more
than one longitudinal plane passing through
the axis, much as a pie can be cut into
several equal and identical pieces.
Dicot Monocot
Lab Objectives
1. Flowers are arranged in groups called inflorescences. We will examine some
inflorescences particular to certain families later in the semester. For now,
know what an inflorescence is and which ones we looked at today.
3. EXAMINE by dissection the floral material provided making long and cross
sections of the flower and its parts. On a separate sheet of paper, SKETCH the
flowers and label the parts. Then, FOR EACH FLOWER, answer the following
questions:
A. Is the flower actinomorphic (regular) or zygomorphic (irregular)?
B. How many sepals are present? Petals? Stamens? Carpels? To count carpels,
count the locules, styles, style branches, and/or the zones of placentation by
cross- sectioning the ovary.
C. Is the ovary inferior or superior?
D. Is the flower from a monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous plant?
E. Is the flower perfect (both sexes present) or imperfect? Complete (all four
floral whorls) or incomplete?