Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Morphology of Flowering Plants

Question:

If a flower cannot be divided into the centre, two similar halves by any vertical plane passing through the centre it is called :

Options:

Actinomorphic

Zygomorphic

Asymmetric

Both B and C

Correct Answer:

Asymmetric

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (3) - Asymmetric

The flower is the reproductive unit in the angiosperms. It is meant for sexual reproduction. A typical flower has four different kinds of whorls arranged successively on the swollen end of the stalk or pedicel, called thalamus or receptacle. These are calyx, corolla, androecium and gynoecium.

Calyx and corolla are accessory organs, while androecium and gynoecium are reproductive organs. In some flowers like lily, the calyx and corolla are not distinct and are termed as perianth. When a flower has both androecium and gynoecium, it is bisexual. A flower having either only stamens or only carpels is unisexual.

In symmetry, the flower may be actinomorphic (radial symmetry) or zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry).

When a flower can be divided into two equal radial halves in any radial plane passing through the centre, it is said to be actinomorphic, e.g., mustard, datura, chilli.

When it can be divided into two similar halves only in one particular vertical plane, it is zygomorphic, e.g., pea, gulmohur, bean, Cassia.

A flower is asymmetric (irregular) if it cannot be divided into two similar halves by any vertical plane passing through the centre, as in canna.