PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN PLANTS 49 



a. Uses to the Plant 

 1. PEAS OR BEANS. (Legumes.) 



Observations. 1. Examine an unopened pod. Can you find 

 the ovary or seed case ? Style and stigma ? 



2. Open a pod and see if you can verify the above. 



3. Note that the ovules are not all the same size. 

 Conclusions. 1. Can you explain why the ovules are not all 



the same size ? 



2. Can you think of at least one function (use) of a fruit ? 



3. Sketch a half pod, with the contained ovules. Label 

 all parts. 



2. APPLE. (A pome.) (Optional.) 



Materials. Preserved or fresh apple blossoms in various stages. 

 Apples. 



Observations. 1. Find the calyx in an apple blossom. Are the sepals 

 separated at the base or united ? Thin or thick ? 



2. What part of the blossom seems most likely to develop into the 

 fruit? 



3. Do you find any indications of the calyx remaining on an apple ? 

 Conclusions. From what does the fleshy part of an apple develop ? 



Give some reasons for your answer. 



Observations. 1. Remove the skin from an apple and leave the pared 

 apple exposed to the air for a few hours. What results? (Weigh the 

 apple both before and after the experiment.) 



2. Break the skin of an apple and set the apple aside for a few days. 

 Note what results. 



Conclusions. 1. What are some of the functions of the skin of 

 fruits ? 



2. Cut cross and longitudinal sections of an apple. Can you find the 

 seed cases (locules) of the ovary ? How many are there ? What seems 

 to be their function ? 



b. Means of Scattering Fruits and Seeds 



Materials. Fruits of linden, burdock, oxalis, clotbur, thistle, beggar's 

 tick, violet, maple, tumbleweed, dandelion, coconut, crane's bill, cherry, 

 raspberry, acorn, nuts, peach, chestnut, pines, pea, peanut, jimson weed, 

 green berries, etc. 



SHARPE'S LAB. MAN. 4 



