Carpel
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
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carpel
- Wikipedia's article - Carpel
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