Different types of Plants and their Classification Explained

Algae

These are green, non-differentiated plants (i.e. cells are not organised into different parts like root, stem, etc.,) possessing chlorophyll.
These plants grow in the moist environment. Freshwater algae are usually green or blue-green in colour, whereas marine algae are red or brown in colour.
Algae are autotrophic plants, because they can manufacture their own food.

Fungi

These are non-green (absence of chlorophyll) and non-differentiated plants. Fungi are composed of eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cell refers to an evolved cell (nucleus has a membrane).
The defining feature that sets eukaryotic cells apart from prokaryotic cells (such as bacteria) is that they have membrane-bound organelles, especially the nucleus, which contains the genetic material and is enclosed by the nuclear envelope.
Fungi grow either on dead, rotten organic matter as saprophytes (those which decompose dead organic matter) or live as parasites on other living bodies.

Bacteria

They are non-green, single-celled microorganisms. Bacteria are prokaryotic in nature, and so, they cannot perform all the functions to survive independently.
Thus, they have saprophytic or parasitic existence. Most bacteria with parasitic existence are usually harmful.
Some bacteria with saprophytic existence perform useful functions such as decomposition of organic matter.

Viruses

There are non-living pathogens (neither plants nor animals).
They are single-celled and they need host cells to survive. Most of the viruses do not perform any useful function.

Lichens

Lichens are composite organisms of algae and fungi, both deriving mutual benefit from each other.
The algae manufacture carbohydrates which are consumed by fungi and the fungi absorb and retain water which keep the cells of the algae moist.
Thus, the two live in a symbiotic or a mutually beneficial relationship. Lichens are greyish green in colour and grow on rocks, dead wood, etc. Different types of Plants and their Classification

Bryophytes

These plants do not possess vascular tissues. As a result, the transportation system in these plants is not well developed.
Consequently, these plants are short in length (up to 10 cm tall).
However, the plant body is differentiated into a small stem and simple leaves, but true roots are absent.
These plants also grow in moist environments. E.g., mosses.

Pteridophytes

These plants possess vascular tissues. Thus, efficient transportation system exists for the transfer of water and nutrients. Consequently, these plants are taller.
These plants also have well-differentiated plant bodies consisting of roots, stems, etc.
However, these plants are considered lower plants because they possess spores. E.g., ferns.

Spores

Spores are the reproductive structure of the ‘lower plants: the plants that do not flower.
Fungi, algae and even some bacteria have spores to pass their genes.
Spores adopt asexual form of reproduction; the plant or fungus does not need to mate with another plant or fungus to form the spores.
A spore is typically a single cell surrounded by a thick cell wall for protection. Once the spores are formed, the organism releases them into the environment to grow and thrive.
Spores are often formed through a process called sporogenesis, which is accomplished through mitosis or cellular reproduction.

Gymnosperms

‘Gymno’ means naked and ‘sperm’ means seed. Thus, gymnosperms are naked seed plants.
In these plants, stamens (the male reproductive part of plant) and carpels (the female reproductive part of plant) remain aggregated in cones. Different types of Plants and their Classification
Ovules are present on the surface of plant carpels and are directly pollinated. E.g., conifers.

Angiosperms

‘Angio’ means closed. These plants are closed-seeded plants. These plants are the most evolved plants.
Their female reproductive part (carpel) has ovary, style and stigma. In these plants, due to fertilisation, the ovary usually develops into fruit and ovules into seeds.

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