discussion on hydrophytes
Hydrophytes
Hydrophytes are plants that live in aquatic habitat. Hydrophytes can be divided into two types; fully submerged in water or partially submerged in water. These plants can absorb much water as they live in water habitat. Hydrophytes have various features in order to adapt in the aquatic environment in terms of morphological and anatomical adaptations.
The morphological adaptations are divided into roots, leaves and stems. The roots of hydrophytes may be absent or poorly developed as they live in an extremely wet environment. Some hydrophytes do not have root caps and root hairs as to limit the absorption of water. Root pockets at the end of root for floating hydrophytes acts as a balancer and hold the plant from drowning. Some hydrophytes have pneumatophores or breathing roots that grow above the water level because they need oxygen gas.
Hydrophytes have stems that are spongy, elongated, thick, flexible and spongy thus it can be bent and not easily damaged by the movement of water. The stems consisted of many aerenchyma cells. Aerenchyma cells can be found in the roots and stems. Aerenchyma cells involved in the process of storing gases which is needed for respiration and give many air spaces to provide buoyancy so that the plant can float on the surface of water. Aerenchyma cells also allow diffusion of water from upper positions of the plant into the roots. Thus, the roots can easily obtained oxygen without depending to the soil. Apart from that, the submerged parts of the hydrophytes are covered by mucilage. Mucilage protects the plant body and allows frictionless movements in the water.
Submerged hydrophytes have finely dissected leaves or long and narrow leaves. This adaptation helps to reduce water resistance. The leaves of the floating plants are broad, leathery and thick. This is because to prevent water to diffuse easily into the plants and this can prevent the plants from drowning. It also creates a large surface area for photosynthesis
Hydrophytes are plants that live in aquatic habitat. Hydrophytes can be divided into two types; fully submerged in water or partially submerged in water. These plants can absorb much water as they live in water habitat. Hydrophytes have various features in order to adapt in the aquatic environment in terms of morphological and anatomical adaptations.
The morphological adaptations are divided into roots, leaves and stems. The roots of hydrophytes may be absent or poorly developed as they live in an extremely wet environment. Some hydrophytes do not have root caps and root hairs as to limit the absorption of water. Root pockets at the end of root for floating hydrophytes acts as a balancer and hold the plant from drowning. Some hydrophytes have pneumatophores or breathing roots that grow above the water level because they need oxygen gas.
Hydrophytes have stems that are spongy, elongated, thick, flexible and spongy thus it can be bent and not easily damaged by the movement of water. The stems consisted of many aerenchyma cells. Aerenchyma cells can be found in the roots and stems. Aerenchyma cells involved in the process of storing gases which is needed for respiration and give many air spaces to provide buoyancy so that the plant can float on the surface of water. Aerenchyma cells also allow diffusion of water from upper positions of the plant into the roots. Thus, the roots can easily obtained oxygen without depending to the soil. Apart from that, the submerged parts of the hydrophytes are covered by mucilage. Mucilage protects the plant body and allows frictionless movements in the water.
Submerged hydrophytes have finely dissected leaves or long and narrow leaves. This adaptation helps to reduce water resistance. The leaves of the floating plants are broad, leathery and thick. This is because to prevent water to diffuse easily into the plants and this can prevent the plants from drowning. It also creates a large surface area for photosynthesis
References: B.Menezes. (n.d.). Periwinkle General Science Std.5. Mumbai : Jeevandeep Prakashan Pvt. Ltd. Cara Lea Council (2002), Plants Adaptation, UNM Biology Undergraduate Labs, The University of Mexico from http://biology.unm.edu/ccouncil/Biology_112/Summaries/Plant_Adaptations.html Dr. J. P. Sharma. (n.d.). Comprehensive Biology XII. New Delhi: Laxmi Publications (P) Ltd. Hypodermis. (n.d.). Retrieved on October 10, 2013 from http://www.ecomii.com/science/encyclopedia/hypodermis Kevin Byne (2001) Adaptation of Xerophytes and Hydrophytes from http://yunzhenandbio.blogspot.com/2010/06/adaptations-of-xerophytes-and.html#!/2010/06/adaptations-of-xerophytes-and.html