What Are Flowers Made Of?
Flowers are the reproductive organs of plants classified as angiosperms. Only angiosperms flower, hence the term "flowering plants." Flowers, like the plants they are part of, are primarily composed of water, with a rigid structure known as cellulose structuring the cell walls. Does this Spark an idea?
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Composition
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Plants, like animals, are about 75 percent water. They also have a multitude of organic molecules in common, including carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous. The main difference is that plant cells feature a cell wall (unlike the cell membrane of animal cells) that is composed primarily of an organic compound called cellulose. Cellulose and the structure of the cell wall allow plants to maintain rigidity and stay upright.
Structure and Function
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The anthers of the flower, in a ring around the carpel, or pistil The purpose of the flower is to pollinate. "Complete" flowers will have both sex organs, the stamen and the carpel, while others will have only one or the other, or both, but at different times. The part of the stamen that makes the pollen is called the anther. In order for pollination to occur and thus create a seed, the pollen from the anther must reach the stigma of the carpel.
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Petals
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A bee is one of the most common and well known pollinators. Petals often compose the largest part of the flower, and along with scent, are the reason people like them. There is a reason for this. Flowers with scents, nectar and large, showy petals use them to attract pollinators, such as bees. Other flowers may be pollinated by the wind and will have smaller, less brightly colored petals and usually no odor or nectar.
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References
- Photo Credit crocus first flower spring flower image by Pali A from Fotolia.com Anthers image by irum from Fotolia.com Bee image by Tamas Majer from Fotolia.com Seed image by Ella from Fotolia.com
