Chapter 2: Sexual Reproduction in
Flowering Plants
2.1 Introduction
Flowering plants reproduce sexually through flowers, which contain reproductive
organs.
The process involves pollination, fertilization, and seed formation.
Key structures involved: Stamen (male), Carpel/Pistil (female), Ovary, Ovules,
Pollen grains, and Embryo sac.
2.2 Structure of a Flower
A flower has four whorls:
1. Calyx (Sepals) → Protects the bud.
2. Corolla (Petals) → Attracts pollinators.
3. Androecium (Male Reproductive Organ)
o Stamen = Anther + Filament
o Anther produces pollen grains (male gametes).
4. Gynoecium (Female Reproductive Organ)
o Carpel/Pistil = Stigma + Style + Ovary
o Ovary contains ovules, which form the embryo sac (female gametophyte).
2.3 Structure of Pollen Grain (Male Gametophyte)
The pollen grain (microspore) is the male gametophyte.
Structure:
o Exine (Outer tough layer made of sporopollenin).
o Intine (Inner layer made of cellulose & pectin).
o Two Cells:
1. Vegetative Cell → Forms the pollen tube.
2. Generative Cell → Divides to form two male gametes.
2.4 Formation of Male Gametophyte (Microsporogenesis)
Inside the anther, microspore mother cells undergo meiosis to form haploid
microspores.
Each microspore matures into a pollen grain.
Process:
1. Microspore mother cell (2n) → Meiosis → 4 haploid microspores (n)
2. Microspores mature into pollen grains with vegetative & generative cells.
2.5 Structure of Ovule (Female Gametophyte)
Ovule is the female gametophyte inside the ovary.
Structure:
o Nucellus → Provides nutrition.
o Integuments → Protective layers.
o Micropyle → Opening for pollen tube entry.
o Embryo sac (7-celled, 8-nucleate structure):
1 Egg Cell (Female gamete)
2 Synergids (Help in fertilization)
3 Antipodal Cells (Degenerate after fertilization)
2 Polar Nuclei (Fuse to form secondary nucleus)
2.6 Formation of Female Gametophyte
(Megasporogenesis)
Inside the ovule, a megaspore mother cell (2n) undergoes meiosis to form 4 haploid
megaspores.
Only one megaspore survives and develops into the embryo sac.
Process:
1. Megaspore mother cell (2n) → Meiosis → 4 haploid megaspores (n)
2. One functional megaspore undergoes mitosis (3 times) → 7-celled, 8-
nucleate embryo sac.
2.7 Pollination
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma.
Types of Pollination:
1. Self-Pollination (Autogamy)
Pollen lands on the same flower or another flower of the same plant.
Example: Pea, Tomato.
2. Cross-Pollination (Allogamy)
Pollen lands on the stigma of a different plant.
Requires pollinating agents.
Example: Apple, Sunflower.
Pollinating Agents
Pollination Type Agent Example
Anemophily Wind Maize, Grass
Entomophily Insects Sunflower, Rose
Hydrophily Water Vallisneria, Hydrilla
Zoophily Animals/Birds Hibiscus, Mango
2.8 Fertilization (Double Fertilization)
Step 1: Pollen grain lands on stigma and forms a pollen tube.
Step 2: The pollen tube grows through the style and reaches the micropyle of the
ovule.
Step 3: Inside the embryo sac, double fertilization occurs:
o First fertilization: One male gamete fuses with the egg cell → Zygote (2n).
o Second fertilization: Another male gamete fuses with 2 polar nuclei →
Endosperm (3n) (nutrient tissue).
Result:
o Zygote (2n) → Embryo
o Endosperm (3n) → Food storage tissue
2.9 Post-Fertilization Events
After fertilization:
1. Zygote → Embryo.
2. Endosperm → Nutrient tissue.
3. Ovule → Seed.
4. Ovary → Fruit (pericarp forms the outer covering).
5. Petals, stamens, style dry up and fall off.
2.10 Seed and Fruit Formation
Seed Structure
Seed Coat: Protective covering.
Embryo: Contains the future plant.
Endosperm: Stores food (in monocots like maize).
Types of Seeds
Type Description Example
Monocot Seed One cotyledon, endospermic Maize, Rice
Type Description Example
Dicot Seed Two cotyledons, non-endospermic Pea, Mango
Fruit Formation
The ovary develops into a fruit.
Types:
o True Fruit (Develops from the ovary, e.g., Mango).
o False Fruit (Develops from other parts, e.g., Apple from thalamus).
o Parthenocarpic Fruit (Seedless, formed without fertilization, e.g., Banana).
2.11 Summary of Chapter 2
Flowers are reproductive organs of plants.
Male gametophyte (pollen grain) develops from microspores.
Female gametophyte (embryo sac) develops from a megaspore.
Pollination occurs through self or cross-pollination.
Double fertilization leads to zygote formation (2n) & endosperm (3n).
Ovule → Seed, Ovary → Fruit.