What is the Difference Between Carpel and Pistil?

The main difference between a carpel and a pistil lies in their structure and function within a flower. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Structure: Carpel consists of an ovary, stigma, and style, while a pistil is a collection of one or more fused carpels.
• Function: Carpel produces egg cells and undergoes fertilization, leading to the production of seeds and their dispersal. In contrast, the pistil does not produce egg cells, and no fertilization or seed production occurs within the pistil.
• Identification: The number of carpels in a flower can be identified by the number of styles, while the number of pistils can be identified by the number of ovaries.

In summary, a carpel is a female reproductive structure in a flower that produces egg cells, undergoes fertilization, and helps in seed dispersal, while a pistil is a collection of fused carpels that does not produce egg cells or seeds.

Comparative Table: Carpel vs Pistil

The main difference between a carpel and a pistil is that a carpel is a single reproductive unit, while a pistil is the collection of fused ovaries. Carpels produce egg cells, whereas pistils do not. Here is a table summarizing the differences between carpels and pistils:

In summary, carpels are individual reproductive units that produce seeds and egg cells, while pistils are the fusion of one or more carpels and serve as the female reproductive system of the flower.