Summary
Reproduction in plants ensures the continuity of their kind and allows them to pass on their characteristics to their young.
- Stigma — part of the flower that receives pollen grain. Example: The sticky surface of the stigma helps capture pollen.
- Filament — supports the anther. Example: The filament holds the anther in place for effective pollen transfer.
- Anther — contains pollen grain. Example: The anther is where pollen is produced and released.
- Style — connects the stigma to the ovary. Example: The pollen tube grows through the style to reach the ovary.
- Ovary — contains ovules. Example: After fertilisation, the ovary develops into a fruit.
- Ovule — contains egg cells. Example: Each ovule can develop into a seed after fertilisation.
- Pollination — transfer of pollen grain from the anther to the stigma. Example: Pollination can occur via animals or wind.
- Fertilisation — fusion of the pollen grain and egg cell. Example: Fertilisation leads to the development of seeds and fruit.
- Seed Dispersal — prevents overcrowding and reduces competition for resources. Example: Seeds can be dispersed by wind, water, animals, or splitting.
- Germination — process where seeds develop into young plants. Example: Germination requires water, oxygen, and warmth.
- Non-flowering plants — reproduce by spores. Example: Ferns and mosses are non-flowering plants.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Pollination: Transfer of pollen grain from the anther to the stigma.
- Fertilisation: Fusion of the pollen grain and egg cell.
- Germination: Process where seeds develop into young plants.
Common Confusions
- Confusing pollination with fertilisation; pollination is the transfer of pollen, while fertilisation is the fusion of pollen and egg.
- Thinking all plants reproduce by seeds; non-flowering plants reproduce by spores.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is pollination? Transfer of pollen grain from the anther to the stigma.
- How does fertilisation occur in flowering plants? The pollen grain fuses with the egg cell in the ovule.
- Why is seed dispersal important? It prevents overcrowding and reduces competition for resources.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the process of pollination and fertilisation.
- Differences between seed dispersal methods.
- Conditions necessary for germination.