Comparing Monocots And Eudicots

Monocots and eudicots share features that define each as an angiosperm. At the cellular level, the two have similar structures and functions. Yet, as the cells differentiate and form into tissues and organ systems, there are structural and organizational differences that can be used to discern the two. These differences and modifications can be evolutionarily beneficial to the plant, and can also make the plant more desirable for human use. To begin, both monocots and eudicots have primary meristems which are undifferentiated cells that give rise to the primary tissues that allow each type of plant to grow at the root and stem tips (Lecture 11, 30 Sept., Haselhorst 2016). As both monocots and eudicots must conduct primary growth, each share these similarities. Each type also produces simple tissues, or tissues made of only one type of cell. These can be further differentiated as parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma tissue. To further the similarities of the monocots and eudicots,
The simplest way to observe the differences between the two is in the arrangement of the vascular bundles. In monocots stem structure, the vascular bundles are spread throughout the stem, while in eudicots stem structure, the bundles are arranged in a ring. The eudicot stem also contains pith and cortex, while the monocot stem contains only cortex made of ground tissue. The endodermis and the pericycle surround the vascular tissue, protecting water and nutrient conducting tissue. Only eudicots stems are capable of secondary growth. This secondary growth comes from lateral meristems, which allows for eudicots to gain secondary xylem and phloem to increase the width of both root and stem of the plant (Lecture 12, 3 Oct., Haselhorst 2016). The stem has been modified to benefit human consumption, an example of this is the Irish Potato increasing stem size to be used for food