Plant Reproduction: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

Cones and Flowers

Specialized structures for sexual reproduction in gymnosperms and angiosperms, respectively.

Sporophyte vs. Gametophyte

Seed plants alternate between diploid sporophyte and haploid gametophyte generations, with the sporophyte being dominant.

Pollen Grain

Male gametophyte in gymnosperms, carried by wind to female cones.

Ovule

Structure in female cones of gymnosperms where egg cells form.

Double Fertilization

Process unique to angiosperms where one sperm fertilizes the egg and another forms the endosperm.

Endosperm

Triploid (3N) tissue in angiosperms that provides food for the developing embryo.

Cotyledons

Seed leaves in angiosperms that store food for the germinating seed; can be one (monocot) or two (dicot).

Epicotyl

Stem length above the cotyledon(s) in an angiosperm seed. Develops into the plant's stem.

Hypocotyl

The stem length below the cotyledon(s).

Radicle

The base of the hypocotyl containing the root's apical meristem and becomes the primary root of the plant

Sepals

Outermost circle of flower parts that enclose and protect the flower bud

Petals

The brightly colored circle found inside the petals of a plant that attracts insects and other pollinators.

Stamens

Fertile leaves in the flower that forms the first circle of fertile eaves.

Carpels and Pistil

The centermost circle of flower parts that produces female gametophytes