Question

How many whorls of organs occur in complete flowers? a. \(\mathrm{IWO}\) b. four c. six d. eight e. ten

Short answer

The correct answer is b. four

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Concept of a Complete Flower

A complete flower is one that has all four main parts: sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels (or pistil). Each of these parts is considered a whorl.

Applying this Concept to the Question

Since complete flowers have sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels, they therefore have four whorls of organs. This means that the correct option from choices given is four.

Key concepts

What are Flower Whorls?

Flower whorls are the circular arrangements of different parts of a flower. These whorls are crucial in the structure and identification of flowers.
In a complete flower, there are typically four distinct whorls. Each whorl consists of specific organs that play a critical role in the flower's reproductive process.

• The outermost whorl is the sepals.
• Next comes the petals.
• The third whorl includes the stamens.
• The innermost whorl consists of the carpels.

These whorls are arranged in layers around the stem of the plant, each contributing to the flower's overall function of reproduction and attraction.

Understanding Sepals

Sepals form the outermost whorl of a flower. They are typically green and leaf-like structures, known as the calyx.
Their primary role is to protect the developing flower bud before it blooms.

• In some flowers, sepals aid in photosynthesis due to their green color.
• They also protect the flower from pests and environmental damage.

Once a flower blooms, the sepals may remain visible or become inconspicuous, but they continue to support the flower's base.

Exploring Petals

Petals are the next whorl after the sepals, forming what is called the corolla. They are often brightly colored and are designed to attract pollinators such as bees, birds, and insects.

• Petals come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the plant species.
• They may also be scented to aid in attracting pollinators.
• Some petals even have markings that guide insects to the nectar.

Their role in reproduction is crucial, as they help bring potential pollinators close to the reproductive parts of the flower.

Functions of Stamens

Stamens serve as the male reproductive organs within a flower. Situated as the third whorl from the outside, they are composed of a filament and anther.

• The anther carries pollen, which contains the male gametes.
• The filament is a slender stalk that supports the anther, positioning it to effectively release pollen.

During pollination, pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma of a carpel, enabling fertilization and the creation of seeds.

The Role of Carpels

Carpels, the innermost flower whorl, are the female reproductive organs, often referred to collectively as a pistil. Each carpel is made up of three parts: the stigma, style, and ovary.

• The stigma is the sticky surface at the top that captures pollen.
• The style is the slender column that connects the stigma to the ovary.
• The ovary, located at the base, contains ovules which develop into seeds after fertilization.

Carpels are essential for the reproductive process, ensuring that flowers can produce seeds to develop into new plants.