Question

Differentiate between :
(a) Racemose and cymose inflorescence
(b) Apocarpous and syncarpous ovary

Answer 1

(a) Racemose inflorescence and Cymose inflorescence :

Racemose inflorescence	Cymose inflorescence
Younger flowers are present at the tip while older flowers are arranged at the base of this inflorescence. Such an arrangement is called acropetal succession.	Younger flowers are present at the base of the inflorescence, while older flowers are present at the top. Such an arrangement is called basipetal succession.
The main axis in racemose inflorescence continues to grow and produce flowers laterally.	The main axis in cymose inflorescence has limited growth, which later terminates into a flower.

(b) Apocarpous and syncarpous ovary:

Apocarpous	syncarpous ovary
The flowers with apocarpus ovary have more than one carpel. These carpels are free.	The flowers with syncarpous ovary have more than one carpel. However, these carpels are fused.
It is found in lotus and rose flowers.	It is found in the flowers of tomato and mustard.