What is Kingdom Plantae?
Kingdom Plantae includes all plants: multicellular, eukaryotic, autotrophic organisms with cell walls made of cellulose. They contain chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis.
Key features: Chlorophyll, cellulose cell wall, autotrophic nutrition, alternation of generations.
Examples: Algae, mosses, ferns, pines, roses, wheat, etc.
- Autotrophic
- Rigid structure
- Complex cells
Classification of Kingdom Plantae
Plants are classified based on: body structure, vascular tissue, and seed formation.
Main groups: Algae → Bryophytes → Pteridophytes → Gymnosperms → Angiosperms
Key points:
- Algae
- Bryophytes
- Pteridophytes
- Gymnosperms
- Angiosperms
Algae (Thallophyta)
Simple, thalloid plants, mostly aquatic, no true roots/stems/leaves.
Examples: Spirogyra, Chlamydomonas, Ulothrix
Key points:
- Autotrophic
- Simple structure
- Asexual & sexual
Bryophytes
Amphibians of plant kingdom: non-vascular, need water for reproduction.
Examples: Moss (Funaria), Liverwort (Marchantia)
Key points:
- Rhizoids for anchorage
- Sporophyte attached
- Prevent soil erosion
Pteridophytes
First vascular plants, reproduce by spores, no seeds.
Examples: Fern (Dryopteris), Selaginella
Key points:
- Vascular tissue (xylem & phloem)
- Independent gametophyte
- Soil binders
Gymnosperms
Seed plants with naked seeds (not in fruit), often cone-bearing.
Examples: Pine (Pinus), Cycas
Key points:
- No flowers/fruits
- Cones for reproduction
- No vessels
Angiosperms
Flowering plants, seeds enclosed in fruits, most advanced group.
Examples: Rose, Wheat, Mango
Types:
- Monocots (e.g. grass)
- Dicots (e.g. pea)
- Double fertilization