Study Guides/Biology/Acropetal Order in Botany
Study Guide · Biology

What is Acropetal Order?

In plant morphology, the arrangement of flowers on the floral axis (inflorescence) or leaves on a stem follows specific patterns. One of the most common patterns is the 'Acropetal Order'.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the difference between acropetal and basipetal?

Answer

Acropetal means oldest at the base and youngest at the top. Basipetal means oldest at the top and youngest at the base.

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Key Facts

Acropetal growth is indefinite; the main axis continues to grow.

It is a defining characteristic of Racemose inflorescence.

Examples include mustard, radish, and snapdragon plants.

1. Definition of Acropetal Order

Acropetal order refers to the arrangement where the oldest parts are at the base, and the youngest (newest) parts are at the top (apex).

In the context of flowers (Racemose inflorescence):

  • The older flowers mature and open at the bottom of the stem.
  • The new, younger flower buds continue to grow at the tip of the growing stem.

2. Opposite of Acropetal

The exact opposite of acropetal is the Basipetal Order (seen in Cymose inflorescence). In basipetal succession, the oldest flower is at the top (apex) which stops the growth, and the younger flowers grow below it towards the base.

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between acropetal and basipetal?+

Acropetal means oldest at the base and youngest at the top. Basipetal means oldest at the top and youngest at the base.

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