NAME ASMA

RAMZAN
ROLL
NO 30
BS (CHEMISTRY)SEM 1 ST
SUBMITTED TO PROF
NISAR ABAS

1.

The embryo formation is by free nuclear division in

living gymnosperms a unique characteristic not found
in lower vascular plants and angiosperms. After the
nuclear division the wall formation starts and the
embryo become cellular. Latter on the embryo
differentiates into suspensor radicle, hypocotyls,
plumule and cotyledons. The shoot end of the embryo
develops away from the micropyle.After development
of embryo the nuclear tissue of the ovule become
disorganized and usually persist only as a paper like
cap of dry tissue at the micropylar end of seed. The
various layers of integument undergo maturation and
the stony layer become extremely hard resistant shell
which encloses and mechanically protects the female
gametophyte.

In most gymnosperms a common feature in embryogeny is

polyembryony - formation of several embryos in a single
gametophyte in young seed. This is possible because more
than one archigonium is fertilized and Usually from
fertilization of more than one archegonia or from cleavage

polyembryony where cells of developing embryo become

separated and each give rise to a new (usually 4) embryo. The
mature seed normally has only one embryo. But most
remarkable is the process of cleavage polyembryony which is
characteristics of majority of conifers .In this process certain
cells of young embryo become separate from one another and
give rise to the system of four or more distinct embryos .
Physiologically completion between the various embryos
usually result in the elimination of all but one embryo, which
continues its differentiations and becomes the dominant
embryo in the fully developed seed.

The stimulus of fertilization brings changes in the ovule and it

matures into a seed. The zygotes develop into an embryo, the

endosperm persist as nutritive tissue and the nucleus is

disorganized. In some cases nucellus persist as dry tissue at
the micropylar end of the seed and form a cap-like structure
called nucellar cap in the mature seed . The inner fleshy layer
of a ovule may persist a tiny layer of the seed coat and is
called seed tegmen.The middle stony layer differentiates into
protective layer known as testa. The outer flashy layer of the
ovule develops into scarlet red, fleshy covering around the
seed in Cycas and Taxus. It become free from testa and
develops stomata, fibres, and sclereids.In Taxus a fleshy
structure called aril develops from the base of seed. The seed
of all gymnosperms except Cycas and Gyngo remain dormant
for some time before germination. The germination of the seed
is epigeal,i.e the cotyledons came above the
during germination.

ground

Gymnosperms are of immense

importance in nature and mans economy .Their common uses

are as following

In Conifers are best and most

economic source of timber and constitute major forest wealth.
Pinophyta, taxus woods are used to obtain Timber for making
Pencils. Taxus brevifoliais is a source of Taxol, an important
medicine used for curing cancer. Coniferales are an excellent
source of high grade soft wood which are resistant towards
insects and fungus. These woods also have good durability and
are of light weight.Agathis Australia is the largest timber producing
tree of the world. Some species also produce scented woods
such as the heart wood of Cedrus deodara which are used in making
doors, railway sleepers and boats. The wood obtained
from Araucaria araucana is used for making airplanes and its
propellers.

Resins are plant exudates secreted in specialized canal or

ducts. They are insoluble in water and soluble in organic
compound. We can also say resins are the plant exudates,
which makes the wood resistant to decay. Conifers are
amongst the major resin yielders of the world. Resins are used
in varnishes, enamels, plasters, medicines and ointments. The
major sources of resins are conifers. Resins obtained from

both living and fossil trees. E.g.: Pinus australis, P.

caribae,rosin Canada balsom etc.

Various kinds of essential oils are obtained from different

conifers species. Abiessachaliensis produces Japanese pine

need oil used in making scented soap. Oil obtained from

Cedrusdeodaraare and Cedrusatlantica used in perfumery.
Turpentine oil abtained from Pinusspp is used as solvent in
making paint and varnishes.as thinner, etc paint and

varnishes.as thinner, etc.

The seeds of Macrozamia, Torreya and pinus species are

source of fatty oils used as food.

Wood pulp of some species such as Picea smithiana, Pinnus

roxburghii, Abies pindrow, etc is used in

paper making. Most

of the news paper is made from Pinus Pulp

Most gymnosperm species possess medical value; the ephedra

is perhaps the most important. It is source of ephedrine used
to cure asthma ,hay fever, and bronchial troubles. Similarly the
Taxus baccata leaves are used in curing asthma, bronchitis, hie
cough, and epilepsy.

Most gymnosperms afford as food for human being. The

stem and seed of cycas yield sago or arrowroot . The seeds of
Dioonedule are used for bread making. Seeds of Pinus
gerardiana are edible and are rich source of fats . Young
leaves and strobili of Gnetumgnemon are cooked as vegetable.

Several gymnosperms species are grown as ornamentals in

gardens and for decorative purpose. The most common being
Cycas. Gingo, commonly called Maidenhair tree is grown as
ornamental in temple in china and Japan and is worshipped.
Juniperous, Thuja and Botaspp are cultivated as ornamental
trees in plains. Some species of Gnetum and Ephedra are also
grown as ornamentals.