Determining the Plant and Animal Form Function: A Comprehensive Analysis on

Plant Morphology and Anatomy

Kurt James V. Dela Cruz1, Janessa Berna B. Balingit1, Mikaelle Louise M. Ilagan1,
Precious Richnail A. Japzon1, Nikki Mae F. Rodis1, Princess Ashley Mina2

1
Student, Senior High School, City of Mandaluyong Science High School, Mandaluyong City
2
Faculty, Senior High School, City of Mandaluyong Science High School, Mandaluyong City

ABSTRACT

This study explores the intricate world of plant morphology and anatomy, emphasizing the
diverse tissues and reproductive structures that define plant life. The investigation encompasses wet
mount preparations of Coleus sp. (dicot) and Asparagus officinalis (monocot) stems, dissecting the
reproductive structures of Lilium (Lily), and examining pollen structure. Through meticulous observations
and analysis, the study reveals distinctive characteristics in stem cross-sections, such as the concentric
arrangement in dicots and dispersed patterns in monocots. The dissection of Lilium unveils the
significance of androecium and gynoecium components in plant reproduction, while pollen examination
exposes rod-shaped grains with protective exine. Overall, this laboratory activity provides a
comprehensive understanding of plant tissues and reproductive systems, underscoring their ecological
importance and suggesting practical improvements for future investigations.

Key words: Morphology, anatomy, dicot, monocot, cross-sections, concentric arrangements,

androecium, gynoecium
INTRODUCTION
Plants come in various shapes and sizes
and can be found in all areas of the earth. One of and the epidermis in the dermal tissue. While the
the two main categories of living things that are
vital to the biosphere's operation is plants
(Fernando, 2012). It serves a lot of functions
such as providing oxygen through elongated cells and an uneven thick primary cell
photosynthesis, the foundation of the food chain,
and it balances the ecosystem. Moreover, they
are complex when it comes to its morphology
and anatomy, since there are many to discuss
highlighting the unique characteristics, parts,
and structure of a plant.
There are different variations of plants,
however, they are all composed of the same
tissues and cells. These tissues are categorized
into three main types, which are the dermal,
vascular, and ground tissue. Furthemore, since
plants need to protect themselves from the
environment, the dermal tissue that covers it has
the function of defense. Also, Gas exchange and
transpiration are one of the roles of the root hairs
ground tissue that is in charge to support the
plant has three types: collenchyma, parenchyma,
and sclerenchyma. The collenchyma has
wall that mechanically supports the stems and
leaves. The spherical and elongated cells that
have a thin primary cell wall is the parenchyma,
and their primary role is storage and
photosynthesis. Plants are mostly composed of
this type of cell. Additionally, the dead
supporting tissue called sclerenchyma is made
up of small, crystal-like cells called sclereids.
Supporting older plant organs and hardening off
various plant parts are its primary function.
Lastly, the vascular tissue that permits the
passage of water and nutrients through the entire
plant. The two main types of vascular tissue are
xylem and phloem: the xylem, being the one that

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transports water and minerals to the different
parts of the plant; and the phloem, that is
responsible for the transport of organic
compounds from the leaves to the whole plant
itself (Biology LibreTexts, 2020).
While in terms of plant reproduction,
the flower is the main focus in a plant. A perfect
flower consists of two reproductive parts. the
pistil and the stamen. It is responsible for the
sexual reproduction of a plant, wherein the
pollen grain in the anther of the stamen is
delivered in the ovary of the pistil to undergo
fertilization and accomplish reproduction
processes (Oregon State University, 2019).
MATERIALS AND METHODS.
Collated Materials
Various materials were used in the lab
activity that focused on plant morphology and
anatomy as part of the form and function of
plants and animals. A flower with a complete
reproductive part and the presence of gynoecium
and androecium was obtained. The specimen
used for the dissection of flowers was Lilium
(Lily). The process of recording includes using
materials such as pencil and paper to jot down
the observations from the experiment. Essential
tools were also incorporated, including forceps,
scalpels, and hand lenses, for an in-depth
analysis. Glass slides, coverslips, and disposable
droppers were used to observe the specimens
under the microscope. A 50-ml beaker, a 10-ml
graduated cylinder, and approximately 350 ml of
water were used in the experimental setup. The
microscope was present in the observation of the
specimen, Coleus sp. (dicot) and Asparagus
officinalis (monocot).
Part A. Wet Mount Preparation of Plant
Tissues
A comparative assessment was
performed during the preparation of cross-
sectional structures of Coleus sp. stems. (dicot)
and Asparagus officinalis (monocot). A sample
was obtained by cutting the cross section of the
selected specimen with a scalpel. Furthermore,
the carefully sliced x-sample was placed on a
separate glass slide, together with a drop of
water and a cover slip. The produced samples
were then examined under the microscope at
various magnifications, including a scanner,
low-power objective (LPO), and high-power
objective (HPO). The observations were
documented in the given table, with the portions
labeled.
Part B. Dissection of Plant Reproductive
Structures
Before dissecting the plant's
reproductive system, Lilium (Lily) was assessed.
The flower was initially captured to document
all of its parts without removing any of them.
The observations were then recorded into the
appropriate table. Second, the plant was
dissected, and the sepals and petals were gently
removed to show the flower's internal parts. The
reproductive components of the flower were
then examined with a hand lens to see the
similarities and differences, structural details,
and potential functions of the plant. To
investigate the anther, filaments were removed,
and the remaining structure was split into cross-
sections. This methodology aims to investigate
the reproductive organ of Lilium (Lily) to gain
understanding of its mechanisms.
Part C. Pollen Structure
A 5-ml water bottle was filled in
preparation for observing pollen structure in
order to obtain knowledge of its structure. Using
forceps, the anther of Lilium (Lily)was pulled
and gently placed in the beaker, shaking rapidly
to release the pollen grains into the water. A
drop of pollen grain-containing water was put
onto a glass slide using a cover slip. Finally, the
prepared sample was examined under a
microscope and illustrated in order to replicate
the results.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Wet Mount Preparation of Plant Tissues
Examining transverse sections from
each Coleus sp. and the plant tissues of
Asparagus officinalis displayed unique
properties. Vascular bundles were scattered
throughout the stem of the monocot Asparagus
officinalis, displaying distinct phloem (with
bigger holes) and xylem (with smaller openings)
(as shown in Figure 2A & 2B). Ground tissue,
especially parenchyma, shown storing and
photosynthetic capabilities. Sclerenchyma,
which is made up of fibers and sclereids and is
in charge of giving plant organs support,
protection, and mechanical strength, was shown
by the black rings containing the xylem and
phloem. Furthermore, a hypodermis layer
located close to the epidermis displayed a tightly
packed arrangement of sclerenchyma cells,
which supported the outermost layer
structurally.
A thorough examination of the stem's
cross-section in the dicot Coleus sp. showed a
unique concentric arrangement of vascular
bundles, in contrast to the dispersed pattern
observed in monocots (as shown in Figure 1).
Transport of water and nutrients is made more
efficient by this concentric arrangement. The
parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma
were among the ground tissues that supported
the stem and different physiological functions.
Sclerenchyma gave plant organs protection and
mechanical strength, parenchyma assisted in
storage and photosynthesis, and collenchyma
added extra support in areas where growth was
occurring.
Dissection of Lilium (Lily)
By dissecting the plant reproductive
structures of the male and female parts of Lilium
(lily), the stamen and pistil were observed,
leading to the following findings: the main male
reproductive structure that can be found on the
plant is the androecium (stamen); the
androecium, comprising the anther, which
contains the sac where pollen originates, and the
filament, the thin stalk that supports the anther,
were observed; the anther is a two-lobed
structure which contains microsporangia for the
production of pollen grains (as shown in Figure
3) (BYJUS, 2021); Whereas the gynoecium
(carpel), the main female reproductive structure
that can be found in the flower, included the
stigma, style, and ovary. The stigma is located at
the top of the pistil and is specifically right
above the style which is the long tubelike
structure that connects to the ovary. The ovary is
the one that contains the female egg cells called
ovules, that transform into a seed when fertilized
by the sperm in the pollen (as shown in Figure
3) (VEDANTU, 2023). Furthermore, certain
accessory parts of the flower were recognized,
including the sepals and petals. The sepals
function to shield and protect the flower, while
the vibrant colors of the petals are designed to
entice pollinators (as shown in Figure).
Observation of Pollen Structure
Through intensively examining the
structure of a pollen grain using the microscope,
the noticeable feature of the pollen grains of a
Lilium is that it is in a rod or tumor shaped. The
exine, which is the external pollen cell wall that
protects the pollen from environmental damage,
can also be seen (as shown in Figure).
3
Figure 1. Cross Section of Coleus sp. Stem
under: (A) Scanner Objective, (B) Low
Power Objective, (C) High Power
Objective

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 Figure 3. Male and Female Reproductive Parts
of Lilium (Lily)

Figure 2. Cross Section of Asparagus officinalis

Stem under: (A) Scanner Objective, (B)
Low Power Objective, (C) High Power
Objective

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Figure 4. Pollen Grain Under a Microscope in
(A) Scanner Objective, (B) Low Power
Objective, (C) High Power Objective

CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATION

In conclusion, the laboratory activity

provided a better grasp of the various types of
tissues found in plants, as well as their
reproductive systems. This enables for an in-
depth understanding of plants' ecological role
and how important it is to living species.
Through the microscopic observation of
different stem samples of plants, such as Coleus
sp. and Asparagus officinalis along with
observation of the reproductive parts of the
flowering plant sample, Lilium (Lily), insights
about the diverse tissues found within plants
were acknowledged. Dermal, ground, and
vascular tissues were observed in the stem
samples, which also included the most important
components, the xylem and phloem. These
tissues allow plants to perform a wide range of
physiological functions, including survival and
growth. The significance of the plant's

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reproductive organs and pollen in pollination parts#:~:text=As%20a%20plant%27s
and fertilization was also emphasized. This %20reproductive%20part
laboratory activity provides a factual foundation
for comprehending the fundamental systems that
govern a plant's life which ultimately lead to an
established understanding of their ecological
importance.

To acquire a better sample for better

observation, a sharp scalpel should be used in
cross-section and longitudinal cutting to produce
thin samples that are easier to observe. A
complete flower with a complete reproductive
organ is recommended. It is also recommended
to utilize a fully functioning microscope to avoid
instances where the specimen cannot be seen
clearly. This will enable a proper observation of
the specimen samples, resulting in a successful
evaluation of the findings.

REFERENCES

Fernando, W. G. D. (2012). Plants: An

International Scientific Open Access
Journal to Publish All Facets of Plants,
Their Functions and Interactions with
the Environment and Other Living
Organisms. Plants, 1(1),1–
5.https://doi.org/10.3390/plants1010001

Biology LibreTexts. (2020, February 29). Plant

Tissues.
https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/B
otany/Botany_(Ha_Morrow_and_Algier
s)/03%3A_Plant_Structure/
3.01%3A_Cells_and_Tissues/
3.1.03%3A_Plant_Tissues#:~:text=They
%20differentiate%20into%20three
%20main

Oregon State University. (2019). Reproductive

plant parts.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/garden
ing/techniques/reproductive-plant-