Module_8_Lecture_Plant_Repro_and_Development_KEY

Alternation of Generations

The life cycle in plants where a haploid gametophyte alternates with a diploid sporophyte.

Sporophyte

The multicellular diploid stage of a plant life cycle that produces spores.

Gametophyte

The multicellular haploid stage of a plant life cycle that produces gametes.

Double Fertilization

A unique angiosperm reproductive process wherein one sperm fertilizes the egg and another sperm fuses with two polar nuclei to form endosperm.

Pollen

The male gametophyte of seed plants, produced in microsporangia.

Meiosis

The process by which diploid cells divide to produce haploid gametes or spores.

Fertilization

The fusion of male and female gametes to form a diploid zygote.

Gymnosperms

Seed-producing plants that do not form flowers or fruits, including conifers.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in fruits.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from the male anther to the female stigma.

Seeds

Structures containing a plant embryo and a food supply surrounded by a protective coat, essential for reproduction in seed plants.

Fruit

The mature ovary of a flower that contains seeds, aiding in seed dispersal.

Vascular Tissue

Plant tissue composed of xylem and phloem, vital for water and nutrient transport.

Xylem

The vascular tissue responsible for water and mineral transport in plants.

Phloem

The vascular tissue responsible for transporting sugars and nutrients in plants.

Stomata

Small openings on plant leaves that allow gas exchange.

Biogeochemical Cycle

The movement of elements like carbon and nitrogen through living organisms and the environment.

Spore

A haploid reproductive cell that can develop into a new organism.

Seedless Vascular Plants

Plants that have vascular tissue but do not reproduce using seeds, such as ferns.

Microspore

The haploid cell that develops into male gametophytes (pollen).

Megasporangium

A structure within which megaspores are produced, leading to the development of female gametophytes.

Ovule

The structure containing the female gametophyte and egg within seed plants.