Carpels

Carpels

Carpels (/ˈkɑːrpəlz/) are the female reproductive organs of a flower. They are one of the four main parts of a flower, along with the sepals, petals, and stamens.

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.

Structure

A carpel is typically composed of three parts: the stigma, the style, and the ovary. The stigma is the part of the carpel that receives the pollen during fertilization. The style is a long, slender stalk that connects the stigma and the ovary. The ovary contains the ovules, which develop into seeds after fertilization.

Types of Carpels

There are two main types of carpels: free carpels and fused carpels. Free carpels are separate and distinct from each other, while fused carpels are joined together into a single structure. The number and arrangement of carpels can vary widely among different species of plants.

Function

The primary function of the carpels is to produce and protect the ovules. After fertilization, the carpels develop into the fruit, which protects the seeds and aids in their dispersal.

Related Terms

• Pistil: The collective term for one or more carpels in a flower.
• Gynoecium: The group of carpels in a flower; also known as the female reproductive system of a flower.
• Angiosperms: The group of plants that have flowers and produce seeds enclosed within a carpel.

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