Fruits: classification of fruits and structural features

Of all the organs of plants, it is the fruits that rightfully occupy a leading place in their diversity. To understand this topic, you must first understand what structural features and principles the classification of fruits and vegetables is based on. Let's take a closer look at them.

Fruit structure

The fruit is a modified flower. As a result of the fusion of germ cells (gametes), a seed is formed. Subsequently, 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 fetus.

Fruits: fruit classification

The principles underlying the classification are quite simple: the number of seeds and the characteristics of the pericarp layers are taken into account.

By the first sign single-seeded and multi-seeded fruits are distinguished. For example, cherry plum and pear.

Classification of fruits according to the second criterion also involves two groups: juicy and dry.

Juicy fruit

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

Quince, apple, pear - this is a well-known fruit. The classification of fruits determines that they all have the same structure (mountain ash is also referred to them). The outer layer is a leathery layer, the middle layer is fleshy, and the inner layer is represented by rigid membranous chambers. And this type of fruit is called "apple."

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

The classification of fruits determines the belonging of a tomato to a berry. At first glance, nothing in common. However, let's recall its structure. The outer leathery and medium juicy layers with a large number of small seeds ... Gooseberries, currants and grapes are also arranged.

Often you can hear the phrase "raspberry berry." From the point of view of biology, it is completely wrong. In fact, this is a complex drupe consisting of a large number of small fruitlets.

But persimmon and banana, by the features of their structure, are the real berries.

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

Citrus plants boast juicy pulp. It can be found in lemon, orange, mandarin. The strawberry fruit is also characteristic, in which many dry fruits are deeply immersed in a fleshy overgrown receptacle.

If the fruits grow together in the process of development, then fertility is formed like pineapple, hop or mulberry.

Dry fruits

Let's talk now about what are dry fruits. The classification of fruits implies an additional division of this group into expanding and non-expanding. A walnut whose hard and lignified shell protects the seed reliably opens only with great effort. Non-expanding achenes and grains are similar to each other. Only in the first, the pericarp does not grow together with the seed, like in sunflower, and in the second, vice versa. This is confirmed by the seeds of cereal plants: rye, wheat, corn, barley, feather grass, bluegrass.

Unlike them, the soy and bean bean itself opens its folds when ripe. Exactly the same phenomenon occurs in the pod. His seeds are not on the valves, but on a septum in the center of the fruit. A dry opening fruit, a pod that can be found in a shepherd’s bag, is similar in structure, but smaller.

Easy to open and box. Moreover, this can happen in several ways. In poppy seeds come out through the cloves that are on top of the fruit. But the poisonous bleached opens with a lid.

The opened fruits have a more perfect adaptation for the distribution of seeds in nature, which contributes to a better distribution of the species throughout the territory.

Fruit Classification: Table

Now you know what the fruits are.