Dicot leaves and monocot leaves differ in various structural and functional aspects. Some of the key differences are:
- Venation: Dicot leaves have reticulate or net-like venation, where the veins form a branched network throughout the leaf blade. Monocot leaves have parallel venation, where the veins run parallel to each other from the base to the tip of the leaf.
- Arrangement: Dicot leaves have a distinct petiole or leaf stalk that attaches the blade to the stem. Monocot leaves lack a petiole and are directly attached to the stem by a sheath-like structure called a leaf base.
- Leaf shape: Dicot leaves can have various shapes such as ovate, elliptical, lanceolate, etc. Monocot leaves are usually long and narrow with a linear or lanceolate shape.
- Leaf arrangement: Dicot leaves are arranged alternately or opposite on the stem. Monocot leaves are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem.
- Stomata: Dicot leaves have stomata (small openings for gas exchange) mainly on the lower surface of the leaf. Monocot leaves have stomata on both upper and lower surfaces.
- Mesophyll: Dicot leaves have differentiated mesophylls consisting of palisade and spongy parenchyma. Monocot leaves have a homogenous mesophyll without such differentiation.
These differences reflect adaptations to the environment and growth habits of the respective plants.
