Monocolpate
In botanical terms, colpus means a longitudinal germinal groove or furrow. Monocolpate refers to pollen grains that have a single germinal furrow. The majority of monocotyledons and some primitive dicots show this feature. This pollen feature is typically seen in plants belonging to Arecaceae, LiliaceaeGinkgoaceae, and Asparagaceae.
Tricolpate
Tricolpate refers to pollen grains having three germinal furrows. These pollens are symmetrical and globose structures. It is a typical feature of advanced dicotyledons. Plants belonging to Acanthaceae and Asteraceae show tricolpate pollens. Also, some members of Fagaceae and Rosaceae have this feature.
Difference between Monocolpate and Tricolpate
Monocolpate |
Tricolpate |
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Monocolpate refers to pollen grains that have a single germinal furrow. |
Tricolpate refers to pollen grains having three germinal furrows. |
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It is most common in monocotyledons and in some primitive dicots. |
It is a typical pollen type in dicotyledons. |
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Arecaceae, Ginkgoaceae, and Asparagaceae families show monocolpate pollens. |
Acanthaceae and Asteraceae families show tricolpate pollens |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pollen grains?
Pollen grains are male gametophytes of seed plants. They are microscopic structures that vary in size. They are composed of intine (inner layer), exine (outer layer) and an inner cytoplasm. The cytoplasm of mature pollen grains has two cells, namely – the generative and vegetative cells.
What is an aperture?
It is a soft and thin area on the walls of pollen grains. This soft aperture is vital for the pollen tubes to reach outside. These apertures can either be as pores or colpi (fissures)
What is a colpus?
An elongated furrow or aperture in the pollen structure is called a sulcus or colpus. If the aperture is more circular, it is termed as pores. Pores, sulcus and colpus are the main identification features in pollen grains.
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