Difference Between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms

What are the Facts to Know about Angiosperms and Gymnosperms?

Angiosperms and gymnosperms are both groups of plants. The students come to know about it in different standards from 7th standard onwards. No matter the curriculum, the concept of the plant reproductive system is included in the syllabus of a higher standard in schools and colleges. These plant groups are related to the reproduction of the plant. Here, you can know about the facts that differentiate between angiosperm and gymnosperms and many other things related to it. The knowledge can help you to score in any exam if you have a clear concept about the traits that these plants have. 

Definition of Angiosperms

The plants falling under the angiosperm group are also termed as flowering plants by the experts. This group is quite large and present globally. No matter what type of plant you choose, it will contain several angiosperms. These plants can grow in any climate or geographical location. 

Definition of Gymnosperms

As per the outlook, gymnosperms are quite different from angiosperms. The main trait that differentiates between gymnosperms and angiosperms is the presence of the naked seeds. These seeds are not properly visible to the naked human eye till they get matured. You can identify a gymnosperm plant by observing its seed under the microscope and finding its cone-like shape.

Main Differences Between the Angiosperms and Gymnosperms

Here are the main difference between gymnosperms and angiosperm that you should know as a student. These differences are mentioned in terms of some parameters:

Lifecycle

All angiosperms have a seasonal lifecycle and they are mainly deciduous. It means that in a particular season, these plants shade the leaves. On the other hand, the gymnosperms have no lifecycle as such because they are evergreen and do not sade any leaves.

Tissue Structure

The tissue structure is an important attribute to differentiate between angiosperms and gymnosperms since the first one has triploid tissue and the latter has haploid tissue. 

Leaf Structure

In the case of angiosperms, the leaves are attached to the stem. It can either have parallel or reticulate formation. The gymnosperms are more like scales or needles that come out of the stem. 

On the other hand, gymnosperms, and angiosperms differ in terms of the properties of the stem. In all angiosperms, the stem takes the shape of the main trunk on which the leaves and flowers grow. For the others, the stems are mostly woody.

Tissue System

To differentiate between angiosperms and gymnosperms, you should know about the tissue system of the plants. In the angiosperms, there are specialized vascular tissues that allow the water and nutrients to transport in the whole body of the plant. These tissues are known as Xylem and Phloem and both are composed of several types of cells. 

On the other hand, Xylem tissue in the gymnosperms does not take the shape of a vessel. Otherwise, the tissue structure is the same and has similar functions.

Reproductive System

The reproductive system is an important parameter on which it is easier to understand the difference between angiosperms and gymnosperms. For more trees falling under the angiosperm group, the reproduction takes place bisexually.

On the other hand, the gymnosperms reproduce other plats asexually, however, in some cases bisexual reproduction might take place.

Moreover, in the case of angiosperms, double fertilization takes place during reproduction. In such a situation, both male gametes actively function for reproduction. Where one male gamete looks after vegetative fertilization, the other looks after generative fertilization.

Compared to the gymnosperms, single fertilization is common where only one male gamete actively participates in the fertilization. 

Seeds and Flowers

In angiosperms, the seed remains enclosed in the ovary and it takes the shape of fruit in the matured stage. The gymnosperms do not store the seeds and they form a cone. So, it is natural.

The angiosperms to form flowers and gymnosperms remain non-flowering in their lifetime. 

Studying the Right Way

Generally, most school students study the differences between angiosperms and gymnosperms theoretically in the classes. However, they lack the knowledge of knowing how things look like. The experts in the online classroom structure can show the students how a typical angiosperm and gymnosperm looks like. Moreover, the students can create a visual recognition of the plants that can help them to identify one easily throughout their life. 

Clearing the concept of how an angiosperm is different from a gymnosperm, you can advance to the other concepts of the plant kingdom. A scientific approach can make it easy for a student to get marks in the examination.