Plant Kingdom

Plant Kingdom

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Oct 17, 2024 03:45 PM IST

According to the five-kingdom classification, organisms are divided into five groups Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia. The Plant Kingdom classifies plant species according to the shared traits observed and their evolutionary relationships. In this taxonomy, plants are grouped according to characteristics like structure, method of reproduction, and adaptations. From Class 9 to NEET level, studying the Plant Kingdom is important in biology which forms the base for advanced studies in botany and ecology.

Important Topics of Chapter Plant Kingdom

Angiosperms
Gymnosperms
Bryophytes
Important concepts - autotrophic nutrition, photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration

Overview of the Chapter

Kingdom Plantae comprises one of the largest and most diverse classifications of multicellular organisms belonging to the eukaryotic domain and maximizes energy in the form of photosynthesis. The major responsibility that plants have in ecosystems is a producer role, and they make up the first and base level in the terrestrial trophic dynamics. The history of plant systematics started with descriptive approaches in the earlier days and is now in the age of Emerging Molecular Techniques for understanding phylogenetic relationships. Besides being the source of oxygen, food and shelter to various living organisms, plants are most useful to man in as far as crop production, in cure to diseases and as a balance to the ecological system. These details are crucial for the successful accommodation of biotic resources to cope with such issues as global warming and the deficit of species.

Kingdom Plantae Meaning

Land plants and green algae belong to the Plantae taxonomic category.

According to Robert Whittaker, there are generally five kingdoms in the ancient taxonomy of organisms: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, and Monera.
Kingdom Multicellular, (mainly) autotrophic eukaryotes that (typically) undertake photosynthesis are classified as Plantae.

NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics

Know Most Scoring Concepts in NEET 2024 Based on Previous Year Analysis

Know More

Also Read:

Kingdom Plantae Characteristics

The following are characteristics of the plant kingdom:

General Characteristics of Kingdom Plantae

Plants in Kingdom Plantae share several fundamental characteristics that distinguish them from other organisms:

Multicellularity

Flowers are made up of specialized multicellular cells forming tissues and organs.

Photosynthetic Autotrophs

They are mostly auto-digesting, they prepare their meals with the help of the green substance known as chlorophyll in photosynthesis.

The Presence of Cell Walls

The plant cells are covered by a cell wall mainly containing cellulose to provide rigidity and protection to the cell.

Chlorophyll Types a and b

These also have chloroplasts algal coloured chlorophyll a and b to enable the light to be absorbed by the plant thus the green colour.

Reproductive Features in the Plant Kingdom

Plants exhibit a life cycle characterised by alternation of generations, involving two distinct multicellular phases: and comprises, in this context, the haploid gametophyta and the mainly diploid sporophytal component of the plant body.

The phase that is prevalent in the life cycle called gametophyte produces gametes through mitosis; a fusion of egg and sperm, and the zygote is formed.

It differentiates into the sporophyte and these sporophytes produce the haploid spores through meiosis. Such gametophytes grow into new gametophytes and as such the lifecycle of the plant is completed.

Types of Reproduction

Sexual Reproduction: Refers to the forced combination of gametes brought by the gametophytes and this causes variation in offspring.

Asexual Reproduction: This happens in a manner that involves fragmentation, budding or formation of reproductive structures like the bulbs and tubers, which in turn will form plants without fusion.

Physiological Processes

Plants engage in several crucial physiological processes that sustain their growth, development, and interaction with the environment:

Photosynthesis

Chlorophyll and the parts called chloroplasts in plants enable light energy to be changed into a chemical form, glucose, which the plant uses for energy and the byproduct of this process is oxygen. Photosynthesis is important for getting energy for the metabolic activities of plants and for the synthesis of oxygen expedited in aerobic respiration by living beings.

Respiration

Through cellular respiration plant cells can split glucose molecules and free energy for use in other cellular processes. This process called cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria where oxygen is used in the process and carbon dioxide and water are formed as wastes. Regulation assists in the growth, development, and reproduction of plants throughout the process of respiration.

Transpiration

Stomata on the leaves of plants enable the process of releasing water vapour into the surroundings. I have learnt that it aids in controlling temperature, water uptake by the plant and absorption of other minerals from the ground. Also, transpiration generates a pressure that encourages movement of water and nutrients from roots to the shoots promoting plant development and nutrient distribution.

Ncert Books:

Plant Kingdom Classification

Plant kingdoms are divided further into subcategories. The following criteria are used to classify them:

Plant body: Whether or not a well-differentiated plant body exists. Root, stem, and leaves, for example.
Vascular system: The presence or absence of a vascular system for water and other material movements. Phloem and Xylem, for example.
Seed formation: The presence or absence of flowers and seeds, as well as whether the seeds are bare or wrapped in fruit, are all factors in seed production.

1723480790970

According to the above-mentioned criteria, the plant kingdom has been divided into five subgroups:

Thallophyta
Bryophyta
Pteridophyta
Gymnosperms
Angiosperms

Non-Vascular Plants

Some plants that do not possess specialized tissues for conduction are Bryophytes which include Mosses liverworts, and hornworts. Most of them can be described as subshrubs growing near the ground and smaller than shrubs.

Bryophytes: Mosses, Liverworts, and Hornworts

Thus, bryophytes do not possess true roots, stems and leaves though some of them contain stem and leaf-like structures. They even draw in water and nutrients by directly penetrating their cell walls as well as tissues. They do not possess seeds, but spores as their means of reproduction.

Lifecycle

All bryophytes are characterized by dominance of the gametophytic generation in which the haploid gametophyte forms gametes (eggs and sperm) by mitosis. Because of the formation of the diploid zygote, a sporophyte is formed which is connected to the gametophyte. The sporophyte forms haploid spores through meiosis and these spores when released and occur, develop into new gametophytes.

Vascular Plants

Tracheophytes are vascular plants that contain vascular tissues called xylem and phloem tissues that help in the movement of water, minerals and nutrients within the plant's body. The main group of this category includes ferns, gymnosomes and angiosomes which are more prominent in the terrestrial society than the plant vascular since they have the potential to grow bigger and more diverse than the others.

Tracheophytes: Ferns, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms

May also have true roots, stems and leaves but the lack of seeds and flowers or the branching system is quite simple. They bear vascular tissues including the xylem which transports water and the phloem which helps in the transport of nutrients in a well-coordinated manner. They are disassembled by spores in the case of ferns and seeds in the case of gymnosperms and angiosperms.

Lifecycle

Vascular plants have a strong sporophyte generation, the diploid sporophyte is the main life form in vascular plants. They reproduce either by spores or seeds and breed through meiosis and are also spread to new areas. This process goes through the development in which spores form a gametophytic phase that produces gametes; eggs and sperm. Fertilization leads to the formation of a zygote which thus forms a new sporophyte thus ending the life cycle.

NCERT Notes Subject Wise:

Detailed Classifications of Kingdom Plantae

Given below is the classification of Kingdom Plantae in detail:

Thallophyta

Thallophytes have a thallus-like body structure and lack a well-differentiated body structure.
Plants of the Thallophyta family have a primitive and simple body structure.
The thallus is the plant's main body, and it can be filamentous, colonial, branching, or unbranched.
Algae such as green algae, red algae, and brown algae are examples. Volvox, Fucus, Spirogyra, Chara, Polysiphonia, Ulothrix, and other species are common examples.

Bryophyta (Mosses)

They usually have low-growing, tufted to matted habits in appearance.
Mosses are bisexual and reproduce through the formation of spores in capsules at tips of stalks called setae which are formed from the gametophyte plant.
Vascular tissues are absent in bryophytes. Root-like, stem-like, and leaf-like components make up the plant's body.
Bryophytes are terrestrial plants that are also known as "Amphibians of Plant Kingdom" since they require water for sexual reproduction.
They thrive in wet, shaded environments. Mosses, hornworts, and liverworts are all members of the Bryophyta family.
Marchantia, Funaria, Sphagnum, Antheoceros, and other frequent examples are only a few.
Now the question arises as to why bryophytes are called amphibians of Plant Kingdom.
They are called the amphibians of the plant kingdom because they can survive on dry land but still require water for their reproductive processes, especially in fertilizing their gametes.

Pteridophyta (Ferns)

Ferns are among the vascular plants that have true roots, stems (rhizomes), and leaves (fronds).
They reproduce through spores and the spore-producing structures or sporangia are found on the surface of fronds, particularly the undersides.
Most ferns usually have a highly developed sporophyte generation in them.
Pteridophytes have a distinct plant body that is divided into roots, stems, and leaves.
They have a circulatory system that allows water and other chemicals to be transported.
Selaginella, Equisetum, Pteris, and other common examples are only a few.

Gymnosperms (conifers)

Gymnosperms are vascular plants which produce seeding apparatuses on cones or conelike structures.
Gymnosperm is derived from the Greek words gyms (nut) and sperma (seed) which literately means seed with a naked condition.
It has needle-like or scaly leaves and these plants are found in areas ranging from the boreal to the desert. Some of these conifers are pines spruces, and cypresses as well.
The plant body and vascular tissues of gymnosperms are well-differentiated.
They produce naked seeds, which are seeds that are not encased in a fruit.
Gymnosperms include plants such as Cycas, Pinus, Ephedra, and others.

Angiosperms (Flowering Plants)

Angiosperms are plants with seeds and fruits that are protected by special covers called seeds.
Angiosperms have flowers for fruitful purposes intended for sexual reproduction attracting insects, birds and mammals.
Angiosperms have numerous forms of adaptations and are the biggest class of plants in the world.
Angiosperms are vascular plants that produce seeds and have a well-differentiated plant body.
Angiosperm seeds are contained within the fruits.
Angiosperms are found all over the world and come in a wide range of sizes.
Eucalyptus trees grow to be around 100 meters tall, while Wolffia plants grow to be about 0.1 cm tall.
According to the number of cotyledons contained in the seeds, angiosperms are further split into monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
Mango, rose, tomato, onion, wheat, maize, and other common examples are only a few.

NCERT Solutions Subject-wise:

Example of Kingdom Plantae

Examples of Kingdom Plantae include many different kinds of plants, from simple mosses to the most complex flowering plants. The kingdom contains all multicellular photosynthetic organisms that have an important role in ecosystems due to the production of oxygen and standing as a starting point for food chains.

Type of Plant	Examples
Mosses	Sphagnum, Polytrichum
Ferns	Pteris, Equisetum
Gymnosperms	Pine (Pinus), Spruce (Picea)
Angiosperms	Rose (Rosa), Wheat (Triticum)
Algae	Chlorella, Spirogyra

These examples of Kingdom Plantae, illustrate the diversity within the showcasing various plant types that contribute to our environment and ecosystems.

Plant Kingdom Notes

The Plant Kingdom notes give a detailed description of the classification, characters, and importance of all other plant groups.
These notes depict some of the significant differences that exist between non-flowering and flowering plants, together with their reproductive strategies.
Notes of Plant Kingdom will help students as it provides them with ample understanding of botany thus preparing the students well for examination.
Class 11 Plant Kingdom notes cover all about the classification, structure, and means of reproduction of various groups of plants-bryophytes and angiosperms in brief.
These Class 11 Plant Kingdom Notes are designed to help the students understand important concepts in botany so that they prepare well for their examinations.

Plant Kingdom NEET Questions

Practising Plant Kingdom NEET Questions will help students get accustomed to the pattern of the examination and increase the probability of clearing the NEET exam biology section.

Ques: Which of the following is known as the “amphibians of the plant kingdom”?

A) Gymnosperms
B) Algae
C) Bryophytes
D) Pteridophytes
Answer: C) Bryophytes

Ques: In which group of plants would you find vessels as a part of the vascular system?

A) Bryophytes
B) Gymnosperms
C) Pteridophytes
D) Angiosperms
Answer: D) Angiosperms

Ques: Which one of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of pteridophytes?

A) Presence of xylem and phloem
B) Seed formation
C) Spores as reproductive structures
D) Alternation of generations
Answer: B) Seed formation

Ques: Which among the following types of reproduction is common in both bryophytes and pteridophytes?

A) Sexual reproduction
B) Vegetative reproduction
C) Formation of seeds
D) Asexual reproduction by spores
Answer: D) Asexual reproduction by spores

Ques: What type of lifecycle is exhibited by algae such as Spirogyra?

A) Haplontic
B) Diplontic
C) Haplodiplontic
D) Parasitic
Answer: A) Haplontic

NCERT Exemplar Solutions Subject-wise link:

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Prepare for the Plant Kingdom

To prepare effectively for the Plant Kingdom section in biology, consider these simple tips, tricks, and strategies:

Tips/Strategies	Details
Mnemonic for Plant Groups	Use "BPGTA" to remember the main groups: Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnosperms, Thalophyta, and Angiosperms.
Visual Aids	Make flashcards with pictures and key facts about each plant group to help you remember.
Practice MCQs	Solve Plant Kingdom NEET MCQs from past exams to get used to the question style and find areas you need to improve.
Group Study	Study with friends and quiz each other on important concepts to help reinforce what you learn.
Concept Mapping	Create diagrams that connect different plant groups and their features for a better understanding.

Types of Questions and Weightage of Plant Kingdom in Exams

The table below indicates the weightage and types of questions asked on plant kingdom in exams:

Exam Type	Types of Questions	Weightage
CBSE	Short answer questions on classification, characteristics of plant groups, and examples from various plant divisions.	5-6%
NEET	MCQs cover classification systems, life cycles (like haplontic, and diplontic), key features, and the significance of plant groups.	3-5%
AIIMS	Assertion and reason questions focusing on plant classification, evolutionary significance, and alternation of generations.	3-4%
Nursing Entrance Exams	Scenario-based questions on plant kingdom classification, medicinal plants, and their applications in healthcare.	2-3%
Paramedical Exams	True/False questions and multiple-choice questions on plant group characteristics, classification, and ecological roles.	1-3%

Prescribed Books for Plant Kingdom

The main and most recommended learning resource for plant kingdom is the NCERT Biology class 11 textbook covering all concepts as per the CBSE syllabus. For further understanding, "Trueman's Elementary Biology, Volume 1" can be referred to. The other useful book is "Pradeep's Biology" which is also known for its detailed explanation and plenty of solved examples. You can access a variety of videos, articles and mock tests on this chapter from the careers360 platform.

Also Read:

Angiosperm Life Cycle	Classification of Angiosperms
Gymnosperms	Parts of Plants
Angiosperms and Gymnosperms Difference	Modification of Root
Algae	Modification of Stem