Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Northern Samar
Web:[Link]; Email: uepnsofficial@[Link]

Crop Science 1- Pinciples of Crop Science

Module 3

FUNDAMENTALS OF CROP SCIENCE

Nature and composition of crop plants

I. The Plant Cells (Parts and Functions)
Cell- smallest structure in the universe capable of growth and reproduction.
- basic unit of every living organism
- an autonomous living system capable of independent existence and propagation
Fundamental morphological unit of plant body

I. Plant Cell has three (3) main components

A. Cell wall
B. Cytoplasm
C. Nucleus

A. Cell Wall
-Provides mechanical protection and rigidity to the plant cell
-Consist of cellulose that overcome pressure due to its elastic property.
-Composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectic substances, organic and inorganic
substance, lignin, enzymes, protein and water

Three Layers of Cell Wall

1. Middle Lamella- were pectin cements adjacent cells together
2. Primary Wall-thin, not rigid, stretched as the cell grows, layer formed before and during
growth of the plant cell, consist of cellulose microfibril, have primary pit fields, thin areas
that transverse by numerous protoplasmic strands called plasmodesmata.
3. Secondary wall- rigid, thick, formed after cell completes growth.

B. Cytoplasm
-all living matter of the cell apart from the nucleus
-Gel-like material or fluid in which the cell’s organelles and internal membrane system are
suspended
-distribute substances absorbed from outside and released by the nucleus and other
organelles (through cytoplasmic streaming/cyclosis-flowing movement of cytoplasm)
 Figure 1. The Plant Cell

Cytoplasm consists of the following:

1. Plasmalemma/plasma membrane
2. Endoplasmic Reticulum
3. Golgi Apparatus
4. Mitochondria
5. Plastids
6. Microbodies
7. Cytoskeleton
8. Ribosomes
9. Vacuoles
[Link]/plasma membrane- has selective permeability
Functions:
-allows some substances to cross easily and completely block substances
-accumulates the ions or the molecules in the cytosol through the action of transport
proteins that consume metabolic energy
-coordinates the formation of cell wall microfibrils
2. Endoplasmic Reticulum- flattened disks or tubular sacs Types:
A. Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (with numerous ribosomes)
-involves in the synthesis of lipids
B. Soft Endoplasmic Reticulum (lack ribosomes)
-involved in the synthesis of membrane proteins and secretory proteins
[Link] Apparatus- collective term for all dictyosomes (consist of stack of flattened
hollow disks called cisternae) or golgi bodies
Functions:
-involved in the synthesis of polysaccharides and glucose units for cell wall formation. -
secretes protein and carbohydrates from the cell to the exterior part (ex. nectar coming
out from the flower)
[Link]- (powerhouse) small cylindrical organelles enclosed by two-unit
membranes
A. Outer Membrane- permeable for smaller particles, contains the respiratory chain
component and enzymes for the synthesis of ATP.
B. Inner Membrane- impermeable and folded into numerous cristae.
Functions:
-site of respiration (energy source for plants body maintenance, growth and development)
[Link]- differentiated into system of membrane (2 units) and ground substance, the
stroma.
TYPES:
a. Chloroplast
Function: site of photosynthesis; involved in amino and fatty acids synthesis; provides
space for temporary storage of starch.
b. Chromoplast- responsible for the yellow, orange or red colors of many flowers and
other parts of the plants
Functions: Attracts insects and other animals
c. Leucoplasts-nonpigmented plastids but once exposed to light, it may develop into
chloroplasts
• Amyloplast-starch
[Link]-spherical organelles bounded only by one membrane, about 0.5 to 1.5
micrometer in diameter.
Functions:
Peroxisomes (term to some microbodies) play an important role in glycolytic and
metabolism associated with photorespiration.
Lysosomes (other microbodies) contain enzymes needed for the conversion of fats into
carbohydrates during germination in many seeds.
[Link]- an organized cytosol into a three-dimensional network of fibrous protein.
- each is made of sub units of the protein called tubulin
Types:
i. Microtubules- long, thin, cylindrical structures about 24 mm in diameter and of varying
lengths.
Functions:
a. involves in the orderly growth of the cell wall, especially the control of cellulose
microfibrils alignment.
b. Formation of the cell plate (initial partition of dividing cell)
c. Involve in the movement of flagella and celia in which microtubules are important
components of it.
ii. Microfilaments- consist of two actin chain (similar to that of muscle tissue) that
maintains in helical fashion.
Ribosomes- small particles about 17-23 nm in diameter containing an equal
polyribosomes or polysomes.
Functions:
-intercellular structure made of both RNA and protein, and it is the site of protein synthesis
in the cell
8. Vacuoles-enclosed by a unit membrane called tonoplast -dumping
house of the cell, contains water and other substances.
Functions:
-absorb toxic products
-stores various metabolites
- breakdown macromolecules and the recycling of their components within the cell.
9. Nucleus - contain the genetic information indispensable for the cell’s life and metabolic
function. Functions:
-controls the activities of the cell by determining which protein molecules are produced
and when they are produced. -stores the genetic information

The Anatomical Regions of Plant

-most plants are made up of four basic parts:
1. Leaves-for photosynthesis
2. Stems-for support
3. Roots-for absorption of water and minerals
4. Flowers- which later become fruit or seeds (for reproduction)
Parts of the Plant: Leaves
-food factory of the plant, producing all food that is used by the plant and stored for later
use by the plant or by animals.
-site of Photosynthesis.

Parts of the Plant: Leaves

-(1) Leaf base; (2) petiole and 3) Lamina or leaf blade. The Blade, or lamina, is the broad,
flat part of the leaf. Photosynthesis occurs in the blade, which has many green food
making cells.

Leaf base
This part of the leaf is attached to the stem or the branch. In some plants, a leaf-like
growth arises from the side of the leaf base. These are stipules. This type of stipule is
noticed at the leaf base of a pea.
Stipules
The leaf-base often bears a pair of lateral appendages or outgrowths called stipules.
Some stipules, such as those of willows and definite cherry trees, create substances
that avert insects from attacking the developing leaf.

Petiole
The Petiole is the stem like part of the leaf that joins the blade to the stem. This is the
stalk which might fix the leaf to the stem; some leaves connect directly and don’t have
petioles. Within a petiole are tiny tubes that connect with the veins in the blade. The
petiole has little tubes, which attach the veins on the leaf blade to the stem. Some of the
tubes hold water into the leaf. The cylinder-like part of a leaf is petiole. It connects the leaf
base and lamina. Leaves attached via a petiole are called ‘petiolate’, leaves which
connect directly are called ’sessile’.

Lamina or Leaf blade

This is the major part of the leaf, also called the ‘blade’. It’s usually large and flat. The flat
and extended green part next to the petiole is lamina. It is in this layer that photosynthesis
occurs. The vein that runs from the tip of the petiole to the other end of the leaf blade is
mid vein. From the midvein originates veins and vein inlets. The edge of the lamina is the
leaf margin. The cells of the lamina, mainly those near the surface of the leaf, contain a
high volume of chloroplasts, which carry out photosynthesis. Photosynthesis occurs in
the blade, which has many green food-making cells.
Leaf-blades differ from one another in several ways: (1) the types of edges, (2) the
patterns of the veins, and (3) the number of blades per leaf. The lamina or leaf blade is
the mainly conspicuous and essential part of the leaf. It is characterized by green color,
thinness, and smoothness.

Veins
Smaller veins turn off from the midrib to make sure that the transportation organism of the
plant extends to all parts of the leaf. The sections between the leaf veins are known as
‘inter-veinal’ areas.
 Figure 2. General leaf structure

Parts of the Plant: Stems Functions:

The stems in plants have many functions.
The stem transports water and dissolved mineral salts from the soil to the leaves. After
the food has been made in the leaves; it moves downwards through different tubes in the
stem to the roots for storage.
The other main function of the stem is to support the leaves so that they can receive
plenty of sunlight and air.
(i) Node – The place from where the lanes grow is the node. A node is a point on the
stem from which leaves or buds arise.
(ii) Internode – The space between the two nodes is the internode. The inter-node helps
the plant to grow and keeps it erect. No roots, leaves or branches grow from the internode.
(iii) Bud – A bud is an embryonic stem that has the potential for further plant growth. The
angle formed by the stem and the leaf is called axil of a leaf. It may develop into a leaf,
flower, or both. Generally, buds grow in the axil. However, it may also grow at the apex
of the stem. The auxiliary bud grows in the axil and apical bud grows in the apical position
of the stem or branch. Such buds are called leaf buds, flower buds, and mixed buds,
respectively. As a result of injury, adventitious buds may be formed also in the internode
of the stems, in leaves, or roots. The “eyes” of the potato tuber are buds.

Parts of the Stem:

Vascular tissues
Phloem- carries food to roots
Xylem- carries water and minerals upward
 Figure 3. General structure of a stem

Parts of the Plant: Roots Functions:

-for anchorage and absorption
The root is covered at the apex by a thimble-like structure called the root cap. It protects
the tender apex of the root as it makes its way through the soil. A few millimeters above
the root cap is the region of meristematic activity. The cells of this region are very small,
thin-walled and dense protoplasm. They divide repeatedly. The cells proximal to this
region undergo rapid elongation and enlargement and are responsible for the growth of
the root in length.
This region is called the region of elongation. The cells of the elongation zone gradually
differentiate and mature. Hence, this zone, proximal to the region of elongation, is called
the region of maturation. From this region some of the epidermal cells form very fine and
delicate, thread-like structures called root hairs. These root hairs absorb water and
minerals from the soil.
 Figure 4. Longitudinal section of a root

Parts of the Plant: Flower

-Attracts insect and animals
-for reproduction (Pollination)
1. Pistil
The pistil is considered the “female” part of a flower because it produces seeds. Its
purpose is reproduction. It’s made up of the following parts:
Stigma
The stigma is the upper part of the pistil. It receives the pollen to affect reproduction.
Style
The style is the long part of the pistil. It provides a place for the pollen tube to grow. It also
acts as a barrier for bad pollen.
Pollen Tube
The pollen tube is a part of the pistil that is located inside of the style. It enables the pollen
to go from the stigma through the style to the ovary.
Ovary
The ovary is the enlarged part of the pistil located at the end of the style.
The ovary is designed to protect the ovules. It’s the job of the ovules to fertilize the pollen
to grow it into a seed.
In flowering plants that produce fruit, the ovary usually develops into the fleshy fruit that
surrounds the inner seed.
Ovule
The ovule is located inside of the ovary. Basically, these are the flower’s eggs.
The pollen will travel from the stigma through the style to the ovary. Once in the ovary,
the pollen will then fertilize the ovules.
This fertilization ensures the ovule will eventually develop into a seed. In some plants,
only a seed will be grown. In other plants, a seed and a fleshy fruit will be grown
simultaneously.
2. Petal
The petal is the colored part of the flower that gives it a unique shape.
Petals are often brightly colored to attract insects, birds, bees, and other animals. In this
way, the petals aid with the pollination of the plant.
3. Stamen
The stamen is considered the “male” part of a flower because it produces the pollen. Its
job is reproduction.
Anther
The anther is located on the end of the filament. It’s usually fairly compact and is where
the pollen is created.
Filament
The filament is the long narrow part of the stamen that supports the anther. It connects
the anther to the rest of the flower.

Figure 5. Symmetric Dicot Flower

Parts of the Plant: Fruits
The fruit is a characteristic feature of the flowering plants. It is a mature or ripened ovary,
developed after fertilization. If a fruit is formed without fertilization of the ovary, it is called
a parthenocarpic fruit. Generally, the fruit consists of a wall or pericarp and seeds. The
pericarp may be dry or fleshy. When pericarp is thick and fleshy, it is differentiated into
the outer epicarp, the middle mesocarp and the inner endocarp.
❖ The seed contains embryo and cotyledon (endosperm) which are protected with a
seed coat.
❖ The seed grows under favorable condition (moisture, temperature, oxygen and
sometimes light).
❖ From the embryo, the root and shoot develop.
❖ The seedling grows due to cell division in the meristematic tissues.

Figure 6. Parts of Barley and Pea Fruit

Figure 7. Dicot seed structure (Bean)

Figure 8. Monocot seed structure (Corn)