Pine Reproduction and Seed Development

Flashcards for studying the key concepts related to pine reproduction and seed development.

Ovulate Cone

A type of cone that contains ovules and is small and fleshy when first appearing in the spring.

Ovuliferous Scales

Scales in the ovulate cone that are spirally arranged and have a small bract fused to each scale's lower surface.

Micropyle

The opening in the integument of an ovule that leads to the micropilar arms, having sticky secretions.

Megasporangium

A tissue containing a diploid megasporocyte cell, which secretes fluid and forms the pollination drop.

Pollen Tube

A tube formed by the tube cell of a pollen grain that grows toward and penetrates the sporangium tissue.

Germination

The process where a seed absorbs water and begins to grow, leading to the emergence of a plant.

Female Gametophyte

The tissue that develops from the megaspore and is involved in the fertilization process.

Archegonia

Reproductive structures in female gametophytes where egg cells are produced.

Diploid Zygote

The result of the fusion of a sperm nucleus with an egg nucleus, beginning the development of an embryo.

Integument

A protective layer surrounding the ovule that transforms into a tough seed coat during maturation.

Cotyledons

Seed leaves that form surrounding the shoot apical meristem of the developing embryo.

Hypercotyl

The stem axis below the cotyledons that elongates and lifts the cotyledons above the soil.

Dormancy

A state in which the seed remains inactive until conditions are suitable for germination.

Seed Coat

The tough protective outer layer that develops from the integument during seed maturation.

Pollination Drop

The fluid secreted by the megasporangium that helps in trapping pollen grains.