Introduction:

Higher plants, those with vascular tissue, are classified into two groups: gymnosperms and angiosperms. Angiosperms are further divided into monocots and dicots, named for the number of cotyledons (embryonic leaves) they possess. There are several differences between monocots and dicots, with one of the most prominent being the differing arrangements of vascular tissues in roots and stems.

Materials:

• Compound microscope
• Prepared slide of Monocot and Dicot roots

Instructions:

Using the microscope, view the monocot root slide under low power. Locate the vascular cylinder and switch to high power. Identify the xylem and phloem cells and note their locations. Now look at the dicot root. How is the arrangement of the vascular cylinder different?