Find the best tutors and institutes for Class 11 Tuition
Q8(v):
Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (v) sporophyll
Solution :
Definition and Theoretical Foundation
A sporophyll is a specialized leaf or leaf-like structure that bears sporangia—organs in which spores are produced. In the evolutionary progression of plants, sporophylls represent a crucial advancement from simple vegetative foliage to reproductive apparatuses. They are categorized based on the type of spores they produce: microsporophylls (bearing microsporangia) and megasporophylls (bearing megasporangia).
Step 1: Morphological Classification
Sporophylls exhibit varying degrees of aggregation and complexity depending on the taxonomic group:
- In Pteridophytes: Sporophylls often form distinct, compact, cone-like structures known as strobili or cones (e.g., Selaginella, Equisetum).
- In Gymnosperms: Sporophylls are tightly arranged around a central axis to form definite cones (e.g., male and female cones of Pinus).
- In Angiosperms: Sporophylls are modified to become the reproductive organs of the flower; specifically, stamens are microsporophylls, and carpels (pistils) are megasporophylls [Per the Principle of Homology].
Step 2: Structural Representation of a Sporophyll
Step 3: Comparative Analysis
| Plant Group | Microsporophyll | Megasporophyll |
|---|---|---|
| Pteridophytes | Microsporophyll bearing microsporangia | Megasporophyll bearing megasporangia |
| Gymnosperms | Stamen-like scale in male cone | Ovuliferous scale in female cone |
| Angiosperms | Stamen (Anther + Filament) | Carpel (Stigma + Style + Ovary) |
Step 4: Functional Significance
The development of sporophylls facilitates the protection and dispersal of spores or seeds. By clustering these structures into cones or flowers, plants increase the efficiency of pollination and fertilization [By Adaptive Radiation and Evolutionary Efficiency]. In heterosporous plants, the segregation of sporophylls into micro- and mega- types sets the stage for the evolution of the seed habit.
Final Solution: A sporophyll is a specialized reproductive leaf that bears sporangia; examples include the stamens of an angiosperm (microsporophyll) and the ovuliferous scales of a pine cone (megasporophyll).
More Questions from Class 11 Biology Plant Kingdom EXERCISES
- Q1: What is the basis of classification of algae?
- Q2: When and where does reduction division take place in the life cycle of a liverwort, a moss, a fern, a gymnosperm and an angiosperm?
- Q3: Name three groups of plants that bear archegonia. Briefly describe the life cycle of any one of them.
- Q4: Mention the ploidy of the following: protonemal cell of a moss; primary endosperm nucleus in dicot, leaf cell of a moss; prothallus cell of a ferm; gemma cell in Marchantia; meristem cell of monocot, ovum of a liverwort, and zygote of a fern.
- Q5: Write a note on economic importance of algae and gymnosperms.
- Q6: Both gymnosperms and angiosperms bear seeds, then why are they classified separately?
- Q7: What is heterospory? Briefly comment on its significance. Give two examples.
- Q8(i): Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (i) protonema
- Q8(ii): Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (ii) antheridium
- Q8(iii): Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (iii) archegonium
- Q8(iv): Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (iv) diplontic
- Q8(vi): Explain briefly the following terms with suitable examples:- (vi) isogamy
- Q9(i): Differentiate between the following:- (i) red algae and brown algae
- Q9(ii): Differentiate between the following:- (ii) liverworts and moss
- Q9(iii): Differentiate between the following:- (iii) homosporous and heterosporous pteridophyte
- Q10: Match the following (column I with column II) Column I Column II (a) Chlamydomonas (i) Moss (b) Cycas (ii) Pteridophyte (c) Selaginella (iii) Algae (d) Sphagnum (iv) Gymnosperm
- Q11: Describe the important characteristics of gymnosperms.
CBSE Solutions for Class 11 Biology Plant Kingdom
Chapters in CBSE - Class 11 Biology
- The Living World
- Biological Classification
- Animal Kingdom
- Morphology of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy of Flowering Plants
- Structural Organisation in Animals
- Cell – The Unit of Life
- Biomolecules
- Cell Cycle and Division
- Transport in Plants
- Mineral Nutrition
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration in Plants
- Plant Growth and Development
- Digestion and Absorption
- Breathing and Exchange of Gases
- Body Fluids and Circulation
- Excretory Products and Elimination
- Locomotion and Movement
- Neural Control and Coordination
- Chemical Coordination and Integration
Top Tutors who teach Plant Kingdom
Top Tutor
HMT Estate 2nd Stage, Bangalore
20 yrs of
Exp
32 students
2767 hrs of classes completed
550
per hour
Online Classes
I am a teacher. Teaching chemistry for the past 20+ years. I also have some experience in research in applied chemistry. I have a masters degree in chemistry and a bachelors degree in education. In addition to teaching I have experience in school administration and content development. My key skills are to train the students for various competitive exams like JEE, NEET, BITSAT, CET.
She is patient , understanding and then times the classes as per the students requirements. Gentle and slow. The right kind of teacher for chemistry subject.
Top Tutor
Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi
5 yrs of
Exp
2055 hrs of classes completed
500
per hour
Online Classes
Hi, I am Neeraj Dwivedi Top Tutor and partner at Urban Pro . Into profession of teaching since last four years. Expertise and specialization in guiding students on subjects like History, Political Science, Economics and Hindi. These subjects were my strength in my journey of Civil Services and later helped in shaping future of students. Apart from teaching guidance I have been doing career counselling of students as to what to pursue/not pursue after school based on individual interests and capabilities.
I scored above in all three subjects and you are good in explaining the details, I really amazed by your teaching style.
Top Tutor
Vimanapura Krishna Nagar, Bangalore
6 yrs of
Exp
7 students
717 hrs of classes completed
600
per hour
Online Classes
Student's Home
In this competitive world education is the most important tool rather I say that it is sword by which one can win the competition.so I am in this field from last four years and teaching is my passion and even strength.My students are very happy with me in college as well as in tutions. Their results show it all. Students are always been encouraged to do studies one should not force them for the same.
Learning from sir has been a great experience. I am doing my AS level chemistry and he has been teaching so well that the hardest of concepts look very much easier and it has improved my confidence in Chemistry. Thank you sir for doing a great job and please keep up the good work.
Top Tutor
Bhagalpur, Bhagalpur
15 yrs of
Exp
4 students
152 hrs of classes completed
600
per hour
Online Classes
A Group of Extra-ordinary students who are ready to fire in the NEET
A good education can change anyone a good teacher can change everything a good teacher is like a candle it consumes itself to light the way for other s the best teacher s are those who show you where to look but don't tell you what to see teaching is one of the profession that I am very thankful to you.
Super Tutor
Prem Nagar, Hisar
20 yrs of
Exp
49 students
10117 hrs of classes completed
600
per hour
Online Classes
Student's Home
I am very expert in teaching the basics with simple examples and make to understand the concepts very simple way. It will helpful for the students to understand and apply at a given situation especially application-based and high thinking problems. In fact, I will not teach the student but help to learn the subject in a more independent way and comfort.
I really loved Sir's way of clearing the concepts and not just teaching for the sake of doing so. Any student who wishes to clear concepts deeply should approach him.
