SCIENCE
REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
INTRODUCTION TO PLANT REPRODUCTION
Definition
• Plant reproduction is the biological process by which plants produce new individuals of the same species.
Importance of Plant Reproduction
• Prevents extinction of plant species
• Maintains ecosystems and food chains
• Provides food for animals and humans
• Allows variation and adaptation to environment
➢ Plants reproduce in two main ways:
• Sexual reproduction
• Asexual reproduction
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
• Sexual reproduction in flowering plants is the process where male and female reproductive cells (gametes) join
together to produce a new plant. This usually happens inside the flower, which is the plant’s reproductive organ.
• Sexual reproduction requires the following objects and processes:
Male Gametes — Pollen Grains
What they are
• Pollen grains contain the male gametes (male sex cells) of a plant.
Where they are made
• They are produced in the anther, which is part of the stamen (male part of the flower).
Why they are important
• Pollen carries the male genetic information needed to form a new plant.
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
Female Gametes — Ovules
What they are
• Ovules contain the female gametes (female sex cells) of a plant.
Where they are found
• They are located inside the ovary, which is part of the carpel (female part of the flower).
Why they are important
• After fertilisation, each ovule develops into a seed.
POLLINATION
Definition
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther (male part) of a flower to the stigma (female part) of a flower.
Pollination must happen before fertilisation can occur.
Why Pollination Must Happen First
• Male and female gametes cannot move on their own.
Pollination allows male gametes to reach female reproductive parts.
Pollination Agents
• Insects
• Bees, butterflies, beetles carry pollen.
• Wind
• Carries pollen in grasses and trees.
• Other Animals
• Birds, bats (in some plants).
What Happens After Pollination?
• If pollen lands on correct stigma:
• Pollen absorbs moisture
• Pollen tube starts growing
MAIN TYPES OF POLLINATION
• There are two main types:
1️⃣ Self-Pollination
2️⃣ Cross-Pollination
SELF-POLLINATION
Definition
• Self-pollination is when pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma of:
• The same flower, or Advantages of Self-Pollination
• Another flower on the same plant Very reliable (does not depend on insects or
wind)
Uses less energy
How It Happens
Keeps successful characteristics
• This usually happens in flowers that:
• Have male and female parts close together Disadvantages of Self-Pollination
• Do not rely much on insects or wind Little genetic variation
Plants may be weaker against diseases
CROSS-POLLINATION
Definition
• Cross-pollination is when pollen is transferred from the anther of one plant to the stigma of a flower on another plant of the same species.
How It Happens
• Usually carried out by: Advantages of Cross-Pollination
• Insects (bees, butterflies) Produces genetic variation
• Wind Stronger plants
• Water (rare) Better survival in changing environments
• Animals (birds, bats)
Plants can also be grouped by how pollination happens:
Insect Pollination
Disadvantages of Cross-Pollination
Depends on pollinating agents
• Bright petals
More pollen is wasted
• Strong smell
Uses more plant energy
• Nectar
• Sticky pollen
Wind Pollination
• Small dull flowers
• No smell
• Light pollen
• Large feathery stigma
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
Fertilisation
Definition
• Fertilisation is when the male nucleus (from pollen) joins with the female nucleus (inside ovule).
What happens during fertilisation
• Pollen lands on stigma (pollination)
• Pollen tube grows down style
• Male cell travels to ovule
• Male and female cells fuse
Why fertilisation is important
• It forms a zygote, which develops into an embryo (baby plant).
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
Seed Formation
What happens after fertilisation
• Fertilised ovule → becomes seed
• Ovary → becomes fruit
Key idea:
Seeds allow plants to grow into new plants
• What seeds contain and spread to new areas.
• Embryo (baby plant)
• Food store
• Protective seed coat
Why Seeds Are Important
• Seeds:
• Protect embryo
• Store food
• Help plants spread