Difference between Dicot and Monocot

Difference between Dicot and Monocot and the Structure of the plant

1. Difference between Monocot and Dicot
The big difference that most people note about monocots and dicots is the formation of
the plants’ veins on leaves. However, there are many different things that separate
monocots from dicots. In fact, monocots differ from dicots in four structural features:
their leaves, stems, roots and flowers.
Within the seed lies the plant’s embryo; it is here that the first difference between the two
types can be seen. Whereas monocots have one cotyledon (vein), dicots have
two. This small difference at the very start of the plant’s life cycle leads each plant to
develop vast differences.
Once the embryo begins to grow its roots, another structural difference
occurs. Monocots tend to have “fibrous roots” that web off in many directions. These
fibrous roots occupy the upper level of the soil in comparison to dicot root structures that
dig deeper and create thicker systems. Dicot roots also contain one main root called
the taproot, where the other, smaller roots branch off. The roots are essential to the
plant’s growth and survival, therefore encouraging a deeper and more extensive root
system that can help increase the health of the plant.
As the monocots develop, their stems arrange the vascular tissue (the circulatory
system of the plant)sporadically. This is extremely unique compared to dicots’
organized fashion that arranges the tissue into a donut-looking structure (see figure).
The way a stem develops is important to note. Stems are in charge of supporting the
entire plant and help position it to reach as much sunlight as possible. The vascular
tissue within the stem can be thought of as a circulatory system for bringing nutrients to
each portion of the plant.
The differences don’t end there. Both monoco ts and dicots form
different leaves. Monocot leaves are characterized by their parallel
veins, while dicots form “branching veins.” Leaves are another important structure of
the plant because they are in charge of feeding the plant and carrying out the process of
photosynthesis.

2. Structure of the Plant
There are three main regions of a plant: the roots, the shoots, and the leaves.
The roots generally are below ground level, although there are many types of
modified roots. The shoots connect the root to the leaves and comprise what we
think of as the plant body: the stem and branches. Finally, the leaves are the
photosynthetic organs.