Fruits: classification of fruits and features of their structure

Of all the organs of plants, it is the fruits that rightfully occupy the leading place in their diversity. To understand this topic, we must first of all understand what features of the structure and principles are based on the classification of fruits and vegetables. Let's look at them in more detail.

Structure of the fruit

The fruit is a modified flower. As a result of the fusion of germ cells (gametes), a seed is formed. Later on, it will give rise to a future plant organism. But for its germination and development, nutrients and protection are needed. This function is performed by the pericarp. It consists of three layers: outer, middle and inner. Each of them has its own characteristics, depending on the type of fruit.

Fruits: classification of fruits

The principles underlying the classification are fairly simple: the number of seeds and the features of the pericarp layer are taken into account.

According to the first sign, single-seeded and multifamily fruits are isolated. For example, plum and pear.

Classification of fruits according to the second characteristic also presupposes two groups: succulent and dry.

Juicy fruit

Such parts of plants have found the widest application in human economic activity, since they possess valuable gastronomic qualities and are a real deposit of vitamins and minerals.

Quince, apple, pear - this is all known fruits. Classification of fruits determines that they all have the same structure (they are also referred to as mountain ash). Outer-skiny layer, medium - fleshy, and internal is represented by rigid filmy chambers. And this type of fruit is called "apple".

Kostyanka received its name on the structure of the inner layer, represented by a bone. Peach, cherry plum, plum, cherry and other representatives of Rosaceae family have such fruits.

Classification of fruits determines the belonging of tomato to berries. At first sight, nothing in common. However, let us remember its structure. The outer leathery and medium juicy layers with a lot of small seeds ... The berries of gooseberries, currants and grapes are also arranged.

You can often hear the phrase "berry-raspberry". From the point of view of biology, it is completely untrue. In fact, it is a complex drupe, consisting of a large number of small fruits.

But a persimmon and a banana are very real berries according to the peculiarities of their structure.

Watermelon, well, who does not like its fruit? Classification of the fruits of this plant is ambiguous. There is an opinion that this is also a berry. However, along with the zucchini, pumpkin and melon, the watermelon has a fruit of a vylonia. The outer layer of such plants is very dense, with a characteristic pattern, often brightly colored.

Citrus plants can boast a juicy pulp. It can be found in lemon, orange, mandarin. The same characteristic is the fruit of strawberries, in which a lot of dry fruit is deeply immersed in a fleshy overgrown floret.

If the fruits grow together among themselves in the process of development, then the copulation is formed as in pineapple, hops or mulberry.

Dry fruits

Let's talk now about what dry fruits are. Classification of fruits suggests an additional division of this group into unfoldable and non-opening ones. Nut, the hard and lignified shell of which is reliably protected by the seed, is only revealed with great effort. Similar to each other and non-opening seeds and grains. Only in the first, the pericarp does not fuse with the seed, as in the case of a sunflower, while in the second case it does not. This is confirmed by seeds of cereal plants: rye, wheat, maize, barley, feather grass, bluegrass.

In contrast, the soybeans and beans themselves open their leaves when ripe. Precisely the same phenomenon occurs in the pod. Seeds are not on the leaves, but on the septum in the center of the fruit. A dry opening fruit, a pod that can be found in a shepherd's purse, is similar in structure, but smaller in size.

Easy to open and a box. And this can happen in several ways. The poppy seeds get to the outside through the denticles, which are at the top of the fruit. But the venomous bleached is opened by the lid.

Expanding fruits have a more perfect adaptation for spreading seeds in nature, which contributes to a better distribution of the species across the territory.

Classification of fruits: table

Now you know what fruits are.