Plant Reproduction and Flower Anatomy

Overview of Plant Reproduction

• Processes in Plant Reproduction:
  • Gamete formation: creation of pollen and eggs
  • Pollination: transfer of male gamete to female gamete
  • Fertilization: fusion of gametes
  • Seed and fruit formation
  • Seed dispersal
  • Germination and production of offspring

Anatomy of a Flower

• Male Parts (Stamen):
  • Anther: Produces pollen
  • Filament: Supports the anther
• Female Parts (Carpel):
  • Stigma: Receives pollen
  • Style: Connects stigma to ovary
  • Ovary: Contains ovules
  • Ovules: Contain the eggs
• Petals:
  • Attract insects with color and scent
  • Nectar is produced to lure insects

Pollination

• Types of Pollination:
  • Cross-Pollination: Pollen transferred from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower
  • Self-Pollination: Pollen from a flower's anther pollinates its own stigma (less ideal)
• Methods of Pollination:
  • Insect Pollination: Insects transfer pollen
  • Wind Pollination: Wind transfers pollen

Types of Flowers

• Insect-Pollinated Flowers:
  • Bright, colorful petals
  • Produce scent
  • Sticky stigma to capture pollen
  • Enclosed anthers for insect contact
  • Produce nectar as an insect reward
• Wind-Pollinated Flowers:
  • Lack bright petals and scent
  • Large, feathery stigma to catch pollen
  • Dangling anthers outside flower for wind exposure
  • Small, lightweight pollen grains for wind travel

Compare and Contrast: Insect vs. Wind Pollinated Flowers

• Insect-pollinated flowers have adaptations to attract and utilize insects for pollination.
• Wind-pollinated flowers are adapted for pollen dispersal via the wind, lacking the bright colors and scents.

Important Examination Tip

• Be prepared to compare and contrast insect and wind pollinated flowers, particularly for examination questions in the IGC.