RAMZAN ROLL NO 30 BS (CHEMISTRY)SEM 1 ST SUBMITTED TO PROF NISAR ABAS
1.
The embryo formation is by free nuclear division in
living gymnosperms a unique characteristic not found in lower vascular plants and angiosperms. After the nuclear division the wall formation starts and the embryo become cellular. Latter on the embryo differentiates into suspensor radicle, hypocotyls, plumule and cotyledons. The shoot end of the embryo develops away from the micropyle.After development of embryo the nuclear tissue of the ovule become disorganized and usually persist only as a paper like cap of dry tissue at the micropylar end of seed. The various layers of integument undergo maturation and the stony layer become extremely hard resistant shell which encloses and mechanically protects the female gametophyte.
In most gymnosperms a common feature in embryogeny is
polyembryony - formation of several embryos in a single gametophyte in young seed. This is possible because more than one archigonium is fertilized and Usually from fertilization of more than one archegonia or from cleavage
polyembryony where cells of developing embryo become
separated and each give rise to a new (usually 4) embryo. The mature seed normally has only one embryo. But most remarkable is the process of cleavage polyembryony which is characteristics of majority of conifers .In this process certain cells of young embryo become separate from one another and give rise to the system of four or more distinct embryos . Physiologically completion between the various embryos usually result in the elimination of all but one embryo, which continues its differentiations and becomes the dominant embryo in the fully developed seed.
The stimulus of fertilization brings changes in the ovule and it
matures into a seed. The zygotes develop into an embryo, the
endosperm persist as nutritive tissue and the nucleus is
disorganized. In some cases nucellus persist as dry tissue at the micropylar end of the seed and form a cap-like structure called nucellar cap in the mature seed . The inner fleshy layer of a ovule may persist a tiny layer of the seed coat and is called seed tegmen.The middle stony layer differentiates into protective layer known as testa. The outer flashy layer of the ovule develops into scarlet red, fleshy covering around the seed in Cycas and Taxus. It become free from testa and develops stomata, fibres, and sclereids.In Taxus a fleshy structure called aril develops from the base of seed. The seed of all gymnosperms except Cycas and Gyngo remain dormant for some time before germination. The germination of the seed is epigeal,i.e the cotyledons came above the during germination.
ground
Gymnosperms are of immense
importance in nature and mans economy .Their common uses
are as following
In Conifers are best and most
economic source of timber and constitute major forest wealth. Pinophyta, taxus woods are used to obtain Timber for making Pencils. Taxus brevifoliais is a source of Taxol, an important medicine used for curing cancer. Coniferales are an excellent source of high grade soft wood which are resistant towards insects and fungus. These woods also have good durability and are of light weight.Agathis Australia is the largest timber producing tree of the world. Some species also produce scented woods such as the heart wood of Cedrus deodara which are used in making doors, railway sleepers and boats. The wood obtained from Araucaria araucana is used for making airplanes and its propellers.
Resins are plant exudates secreted in specialized canal or
ducts. They are insoluble in water and soluble in organic compound. We can also say resins are the plant exudates, which makes the wood resistant to decay. Conifers are amongst the major resin yielders of the world. Resins are used in varnishes, enamels, plasters, medicines and ointments. The major sources of resins are conifers. Resins obtained from
both living and fossil trees. E.g.: Pinus australis, P.
caribae,rosin Canada balsom etc.
Various kinds of essential oils are obtained from different
conifers species. Abiessachaliensis produces Japanese pine
need oil used in making scented soap. Oil obtained from
Cedrusdeodaraare and Cedrusatlantica used in perfumery. Turpentine oil abtained from Pinusspp is used as solvent in making paint and varnishes.as thinner, etc paint and
varnishes.as thinner, etc.
The seeds of Macrozamia, Torreya and pinus species are
source of fatty oils used as food.
Wood pulp of some species such as Picea smithiana, Pinnus
roxburghii, Abies pindrow, etc is used in
paper making. Most
of the news paper is made from Pinus Pulp
Most gymnosperm species possess medical value; the ephedra
is perhaps the most important. It is source of ephedrine used to cure asthma ,hay fever, and bronchial troubles. Similarly the Taxus baccata leaves are used in curing asthma, bronchitis, hie cough, and epilepsy.
Most gymnosperms afford as food for human being. The
stem and seed of cycas yield sago or arrowroot . The seeds of Dioonedule are used for bread making. Seeds of Pinus gerardiana are edible and are rich source of fats . Young leaves and strobili of Gnetumgnemon are cooked as vegetable.
Several gymnosperms species are grown as ornamentals in
gardens and for decorative purpose. The most common being Cycas. Gingo, commonly called Maidenhair tree is grown as ornamental in temple in china and Japan and is worshipped. Juniperous, Thuja and Botaspp are cultivated as ornamental trees in plains. Some species of Gnetum and Ephedra are also grown as ornamentals.