Plant Reproduction and Gas Exchange

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to plant reproduction and gas exchange.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four haploid cells, crucial for gamete production in plants.

Zygote

The fertilized egg cell that develops into an embryo inside the seed after fertilization.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma of the same or another flower.

Cross-Pollination

The transfer of pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma of a flower on a different plant, promoting genetic diversity.

Hermaphrodite

A plant that has both male and female reproductive structures, allowing it to produce both male and female gametes.

Self-Incompatibility

A mechanism in plants that prevents pollen from the same plant from fertilizing its own ovules to reduce inbreeding.

Seed Dispersal

The process by which seeds are transported away from the parent plant to reduce competition and promote species spread.

Stoma

Pores on the leaf surface that allow gas exchange, controlled by guard cells.

Guard Cells

Specialized cells that surround the stomata and regulate their opening and closing to control gas exchange and water loss.

Spongy Mesophyll

The inner tissue of leaves containing air spaces that facilitate gas exchange.

Embryo

The early developmental form of a plant that arises from the zygote after fertilization.

Nectaries

Glands that secrete nectar, attracting pollinators to the flower.

Hybrid Vigour

The phenomenon where offspring of genetically diverse parents exhibit superior biological qualities.