What is the Difference Between Glandular and Non-glandular Trichomes?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between glandular and non-glandular trichomes lies in their structure and function. Trichomes are epidermal outgrowths on plant stems and branches that provide protection against various stressors, such as UV light, insects, transpiration, and freeze intolerance. There are two types of trichomes: glandular and non-glandular.
Glandular Trichomes:
- Possess a glandular head that secretes secondary metabolites.
- Play important roles in pollination, defense, and protection.
- Found in approximately 30% of all vascular plants.
- Can be unicellular or multicellular, consisting of differentiated basal, stalk, and apical cells.
Non-glandular Trichomes:
- Lack a glandular head.
- Provide physical protection against biotic and abiotic stressors.
- Present on most angiosperms, as well as some gymnosperms and bryophytes.
- Can be unicellular or multicellular, with a thin apex.
In summary, glandular trichomes secrete secondary metabolites for various functions, while non-glandular trichomes provide physical protection to plants against various stressors.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Glandular and Non-glandular Trichomes? Comparative Table: Glandular vs Non-glandular Trichomes
Comparative Table: Glandular vs Non-glandular Trichomes
Feature | Glandular Trichomes | Non-glandular Trichomes |
---|---|---|
Definition | Glandular trichomes possess a glandular head and secrete secondary metabolites. | Non-glandular trichomes do not have a glandular head and play a role in physical protection against biotic and abiotic stresses. |
Secretion | Secrete secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids and phenolics. | Do not secrete biologically active compounds. |
Structure | Usually multicellular and branched, with unicellular trichomes possible on the upper epidermis. | Can be branched or unicellular. |
Location | Found above the epidermis. | Found below the epidermis, providing protection against UV light, insects, transpiration, and freeze intolerance. |
Function | Involved in the production, storage, and liberation of biologically active chemical compounds. | Mainly involved in physical protection against external factors, such as animals, pathogens, and environmental stresses. |
Read more:
- Trichome vs Filament
- Glandular Tissue vs Lactiferous Tissue
- Flowering vs Nonflowering Plants
- Leguminous vs Non Leguminous Plants
- Vascular vs Nonvascular Plants
- Lymph Nodes vs Glands
- Gland vs Organ
- Angiosperms vs Gymnosperms
- Sporangia vs Gametangia
- Sebaceous vs Sweat Glands
- Androecium vs Gynoecium
- Conidiophore vs Sporangiophore
- Adrenal Gland vs Thyroid Gland
- Merocrine vs Holocrine Glands
- Endocrine vs Exocrine Glands
- Terpenes vs Terpenoids
- Keratinized vs Nonkeratinized Epithelium
- Bryophytes vs Tracheophytes
- Stem Tendril vs Leaf Tendril