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Monocots vs. Dicots
Earlier in the unit, we learned that angiosperms can be divided into monocots and dicots. There are
many differences between the two!
Seeds
Using figure 17.10 on pg. 562 in the text, draw a picture of a monocot seed and a dicot seed: (also check the
chart on pg. 531)
Monocot
Dicot
Make sure you have the following terms labeled on your diagrams above:
Cotyledon: structure in the embryo of a seed plant that may form a ‘leaf’; also known as a seed leaf
Endosperm: the nutritive tissue within seeds of flowering plants, surrounding and absorbed by the embro
Seed coat: outer protective coating of the seed
Plumule: terminal bud of a plant embryo
Radicle: the part of a plant embryo which develops into a root
What are the main differences between the seed of a monocot and dicot? ___________________________
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Lab portion: Obtain a pre-soaked corn and bean seed. Carefully slice each one lengthwise with a
scalpel. Identify the cotyledons in each of the two types of seed. Keep these seeds for later.
How they grow
Monocot and dicot seeds grow very differently as well:
1. Using pg. 562, discuss the trigger for germination in both monocot and dicot plants. _________________
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2. Using figure 17.12 on pg. 563 as well as your own bean and corn plants. Draw a diagram to help explain
the differences between how a monocot and dicot grow. (you may have to dig out your corn seed to see it)
Monocots (corn)
Dicots (bean)
Stems and Roots
The vascular bundles in the stems of monocots/dicots distribute differently. Using Figure 16.9, page 534 in
the text, explain and draw the differences between the two:
Monocots
Dicots
Using pg. 531, how do the roots compare between monocots and dicots? ___________________________
Leaves
Using the chart on pg. 531 explain how leaves form differently on monocots and dicots. Draw a picture to
help you:
Monocots
Dicots
**Lab portion: Examine the leaves set aside in the classroom. Which ones are monocots and which
are dicots? Draw their leaves under the appropriate heading below:
Monocots
Dicots
Flowers
How can you tell from the flower whether a plant is monocot or dicot? Use the chart on pg. 531 to assist
you: _______________________________________________________________________________
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Label the pictures below as monocots or dicots:
Chemical Composition
**Lab portion:
1. Using your already pre-soaked and sliced seeds from the first section, add a few drops of Lugol’s solution
to the exposed inner surfaces of each section. Recall from our first unit that Lugol’s solution turns black if
there is starch present.
2. Make a labeled diagram of each section and indicate the location of starch:
Monocot
Dicot