Gymnos exposed, sperms-seed plants are seed-bearing plants with exposed ovules, meaning they are not encased in the ovary. These plants thus only grow seeds rather than fruits. They and angiosperms are separated by gymnosperms. They develop seeds on the one hand, similar to angiosperms, and archegonia on the other, similar to angiosperms One integument is visible in their ovules. Gametophyte formation in angiosperms is endospores, meaning it lacks a distinct process. Similar to ferns, it supports and absorbs mine dependent gametophytes. Because the plants are heterosporous, the female gametophyte is kept inside the megaspore indefinitely. Since the endosperm forms prior to fertilization, it is always haploid.

The oldest seed plants are called gymnosperms, and they were prolific growers in the late Paleozoic epoch. Throughout the Mesozoic Era. Numerous lines of evolution during their lengthy evolutionary history have resulted in the final days of many of them, while some are still alive today as "living fossils. "Today

Up till now, numerous classification schemes for gymnosperms have been put forth. The following is the classification used in this book this given by Chamberlin (1934).



 

Cycas 

 



 Systematic Position: -

Division 

: 

Gymnosperms 

 

1) 

The ovary does not surround the ovules.

 

 

 

2) 

Typically, ovules have a single integument.

 

 

 

3) 

Plants are heterosporous. 

 

 

 

4) 

There are no antheridia. There is some reduction in archegonia.

 

 

 

5) 

Because it forms before fertilization, endosperm is haploid.

Class 

: 

Cycadophyte 

1) 

Strong or tall, woody steam with no branches.

 

 

 

2) 

Large pinnately compound leaves. 

 

 

 

3) 

Steam inside displays manoxylic wood and a broad cortex.

 

 

 

4) 

Female cones are loose with huge ovules and pinnate or simple sporophylls, but male cones are large and compact with simple sporophylls.

Order 

: 

Cycadales 

1) 

Scale leaves and continuous leaf bases cover the tree stems, with a crown of compound leaves at the top.

 

 

 

2) 

Male gametes are motile. 

Family 

: 

Cycadean 

1) 

Plam-like habit with fern-like chamber. 

 

 

 

2) 

Ovule with pollen chamber.

Genus 

: 

Cycas 

1) 

Female cones are absent.



                                

                                                Cycas (Female plant)                                                                

                                                            

                                                    Cycas (Male plant)                         


             

Coralloid roots: The tap root system's lateral branches give rise to these roots. They grow vertically upward, just below the soil's surface, because they are apogeotropic. They resemble corals in their miniature dichotomous branching and have microscopic pores on their surface called lenticels, which give them their rough texture. Cortex and mana are hence referred to as coralloid roots. Blue green algae, or algae, such as Nostoc and This, are found in the cortex of these roots. These bacteria provide the plant with simple spoor nitrogen in exchange for food, shelter, and fixes. Coralloid roots show mutualism because they have a symbiotic purpose.  

Stem: This woody stem is cylindrical. won of compound le It is usually unbranched; however, it occasionally may branch. Dry, brown scaling is the reason for a surface that is uneven.           



Leaves:-There are two different kinds of leaves: foliage leaves and scale leaves. On the surface of the stem, the scale leaves are arranged in a tight spiral. These are dark, triangular, dry growths that are often covered with tiny, woolly hair. Their job is to shield sporophylls and immature foliage leaves. At the tip, the foliage leaves form a crown. Every greenery leaf is big and composed of pinnacles. Where the pinnae are converted into spines, the basal portion known as the stipe or petiole is slightly thicker. The core rachis and alternating leaflets, or pinnae, are visible in the surviving upper portion, known as the frond. Every pinna is sessile, linear, lanceolate, and has a spiky tip, a full edge, and a leathery feel. There are no lateral veins but a midrib. They have recurved margins in Cycas revoluta and lateral straight margins in Cycas circinalis. When leaves are young, their rachis and leaflets roll down from the tip, displaying circinate.



Cyas Life Cycle ;-




   

Economic Importance of Gymnosperm                                                                                


Production of Timber:

Conifers, including pine, spruce, and fir, are important suppliers of softwood lumber. Papermaking, furniture making, and construction all employ this wood.
High-quality wood Certain gymnosperms, such as redwood and pine, yield high-quality lumber that is naturally resistant to insects and decay, which makes them useful for outdoor projects like decking and fence.

The Paper and Pulp Industry:

Gymnosperms play a major role in the pulp and paper industries. Longer softwood fibers—especially those derived from conifers—give paper goods strength. Gymnosperm wood is used to make several different kinds of paper, such as writing paper and newspaper.

Use as Medicine:

Gymnosperm ginkgo biloba is well-known for its therapeutic qualities. Traditional medicine uses ginkgo leaf extracts, which are thought to provide circulatory and mental benefits.

Linking Ecological Value with Biodiversity:

Gymnosperms are essential to ecosystems because they give a variety of species a place to live and food. For instance, evergreen woods are home to a wide variety of species. They also aid in the storage of carbon, which slows down climate change.

Education and Research:

In botanical study and instruction, gymnosperms are crucial. They add to our knowledge of plant evolution and ecology while represent an ancient group of plants.

Stabilization of Soil:

Certain gymnosperms, like pines, have large root systems that help with soil stabilization, erosion prevention, and biodiversity preservation.


Q&A

What distinguishes gymnosperms from angiosperms, and what is their definition ?

Answer:- class of plants that produce seeds called gymnosperms includes gnetales, cycads, ginkgos, and conifers. Gymnosperms and angiosperms, or blooming plants, differ primarily in their seeds. The seeds that gymnosperms generate are not encased in a fruit but rather are displayed on the surface of structures like cone scales.

What common types of gymnosperms are there?

Answer: - Gymnosperms are frequently portrayed by conifers such as pine trees, brightens, firs, trees, junipers, cycads, ginkgo trees, and some elder species.

In what way do gymnosperms contribute to the economy?

Answer: - In many respects, gymnosperms are important economically. Softwood lumber production, paper and pulp manufacturing, gum and resin extraction, landscape and decorative applications, medicinal uses (e.g., Mango biloba), and oil extraction are among of the industries they support. They also contribute to ecological stability, education, and research.

What part do gymnosperms play in the cycling of carbon around the world?

Answer; -Gymnosperms use photosynthesis to store carbon dioxide, which helps with the global carbon cycle. Because it is removed from the environment, the carbon held in their tissues and wood helps to mitigate climate change. 




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