Chapter 32 Plant Reproduction

Mitosis

a form of asexual reproduction where a parent plant produces offspring that are genetically identical to itself

Meiosis

a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in the formation of gametes for sexual reproduction.

Calyx

the outermost layer of a flower, composed of sepals that protect developing flower bud

Corolla

the name given to the collective rings of petals around a flower and its reproductive organs

Carpel (Pistil)

female reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary

Stamen

male reproductive organ of a flower that produces pollen and consists of the anther and filament.

Monoecious

referring to plants that have both male and female reproductive structures on the same individual, allowing for self-pollination

Dioecious

referring to plants where individual organisms are either male or female, requiring both genders for reproduction

Pollination

the process by which pollen is transferred from the male anther to the female stigma of a flower, facilitating fertilizationIn flowering plants, this process is essential for seed development

Pollination syndrome

a set of floral traits that attract specific types of pollinators, influencing the plant's reproductive success

Nectar guide

a visual cue on flowers, usually in contrasting colors, that directs pollinators to the nectar source

Cotyledon

the first leaf or leaves that appear from a germinating seed, providing initial nutrition to the developing plant

Hilum

the scar on a seed that marks the point of attachment to the seed pod, serving as a reminder of its connection to the ovulethrough which the seed received nutrients during development.

Vernalization

the process by which certain plants require a period of cold exposure to initiate flowering or seed germination in response to cold temperatures to promote their growth and reproductive cycle

Scarification

the process of artificially breaking or weakening the seed coat to enhance germination rates by allowing water and air to penetrate more easily into the seed

Cutting

a propagation technique where a piece of a plant, such as a stem or leaf, is cut and planted in soil or water to grow roots and develop into a new plant through vegetative reproduction

Grafting

a horticultural technique where a portion of one plant is attached to another plant so they may grow together and combine desirable traits, such as disease resistance or improved fruit quality by joining the tissues of both plants to facilitate nutrient exchange

Senescence

the process of aging in plants, characterized by the gradual decline in physiological activity and eventual death of plant tissues or organs, which can be triggered by environmental factors or internal hormonal changes that leads to the dismantling of cellular components and can affect the whole plant or specific parts during their life cycle while allowing for nutrient recycling within the plant involving the breakdown of chlorophyll and the cessation of growth