Morphology includes the study of the general structure of plants. Morphologists study the parts of a plant and how they are arranged and function. For example, when a seed of an angiosperm (flowering plant) germinates, the radicle of the seed embryo develops downward to form a root system. Growth in the length of the root occurs within the meristem (region of cell division). Branch roots form due to the activity of pericycle cells within the root. Some epidermal cells develop root hairs as extensions of the cells. The shoot system, which includes the stem and leaves, develops from the epicotyl of the seed embryo. Stems are often branched, allowing for the attachment of leaves in such a manner as to permit their maximum exposure to sunlight.
Also included in the study of morphology are the reproductive parts of plants. The pollination of flowers causes the ovary of the flower to mature into a fruit. At the same time, the one or more ovules inside the ovary become seeds.
See also: Anatomy, Cytology, Physiology
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