Carpel

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Carpel

Carpel (/ˈkɑːrpəl/), from the Greek karpos meaning "fruit", is a term used in botany to refer to the female reproductive organ of a flower.

Definition

A carpel is the individual unit of the gynoecium, the female part of a flower. It is typically composed of an ovary, a style, and a stigma. The carpel houses the ovules, which develop into seeds after fertilization.

Structure

The carpel is made up of three main parts:

  • Ovary: The ovary is the enlarged basal portion of a carpel that contains the ovules. After fertilization, the ovary develops into a fruit.
  • Style: The style is a slender column that arises from the top of the ovary and through which pollen tubes grow.
  • Stigma: The stigma is the receptive tip of a carpel, where pollen germinates.

Function

The primary function of a carpel is to produce and shelter the ovules and seeds. It also plays a crucial role in the process of pollination and fertilization.

Related Terms

  • Gynoecium: The female reproductive part of a flower, composed of one or more carpels.
  • Pistil: A single carpel or a group of fused carpels in a flower.
  • Stamen: The male reproductive organ of a flower.

Etymology

The term "carpel" comes from the Greek word karpos, which means "fruit". It was first used in this context by the French botanist Joseph Gaertner in 1791.

External links

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