Difference Between Monocot Leaf and Dicot Leaf

Historically, plants are classified into two categories based on the number of cotyledons or embryonic leaves. Therefore, the term “monocot” refers to the flowering plants that contain only one cotyledon. Likewise, the term “dicot” refers to flowering plants having two cotyledons. Besides the number of cotyledons, these two plant categories exhibit vastly different characteristics from each other with respect to other parts of the plant – such as the roots, leaves and stem. We shall explore the differences between monocot and dicot leaf in this article.

And please note, exceptions are present for some of the cases.

Difference Between Dicot Leaf and Monocot Leaf
Dicot Leaves
Monocot Leaves
Shape
Dicot plants have leaves that are relatively smaller and broader than monocot plants Monocot plants have leaves that are characteristically longer and slender
Stomata
Stomata in dicot leaves are kidney-shaped Stomata in monocot leaves are dumb-bell shaped
Arrangement of Stomata
Dicot leaves are hypostomatic – which means stomata are present on the lower surface of the leaf Monocot leaves are amphistomatic – which means the stomata are present on lower as well as the upper surface
Nature of Orientation
Dorsoventral orientation Isobilateral orientation
Leaf Surface Characteristics
Dicots leaves have a dark green upper surface and a light green lower surface No such differentiation. Both sides have the same colour.
Size of Vascular Bundles
Large Small as well as large vascular bundles are present
Intercellular Space
Due to the presence of mesophyll cells, dicot leaves have large intercellular spaces Monocot leaves have comparatively tighter intracellular space due to the compact arrangement of mesophyll cells
Differentiation of Mesophyll
Differentiated into two parts – upper palisade and lower spongy mesophyll No such differentiation in a monocot leaf
Venation Pattern
Reticulate venation (web-like pattern) Parallel venation (Veins do not join other veins)
Characteristic of the Hypodermis of the Midrib
Collenchymatous Sclerenchymatous
Bundle Sheath Extension
Parenchymatous Sclerenchymatous

Related Links:

Explore other fascinating topics by registering at BYJU’S Biology.

Test your Knowledge on Difference Between Monocot Leaf and Dicot Leaf

Comments

Leave a Comment

Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published.

*

*

  1. This app is very useful