Sexual reproduction in flowering plants

What is the main difference between asexual and sexual reproduction in flowering plants?

Asexual reproduction involves only one parent, while sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes from two parents.

Define gametes.

Gametes are haploid cells that are capable of fusing together during sexual reproduction.

What is the function of the anther in a flower?

The anther produces pollen grains, which are the male gametes.

What role does the stigma play in the reproduction process of flowering plants?

The stigma is where pollen lands to initiate fertilization.

What is the process of pollination?

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from an anther to the stigma of a flower of the same species.

Describe the formation of male gametes in flowering plants.

The generative nucleus divides by mitosis to form two sperm nuclei, resulting in a mature pollen grain containing three nuclei.

What is fertilization in flowering plants?

Fertilization is the fusion of a male gamete and a female gamete to form a diploid zygote.

What part of the flower develops into the seed after fertilization?

The ovule becomes the seed after fertilization.

What is the significance of dormancy in seeds?

Dormancy allows seeds to avoid harsh conditions and provides time for dispersal.

What conditions are necessary for seed germination?

Germination requires water, oxygen, and suitable temperature.

How can horticulturists break the dormancy of seeds?

Horticulturists can break dormancy by placing seeds in the fridge or breaking the testa before germination.

What is vegetative propagation?

Vegetative propagation is asexual reproduction in plants, allowing new plants to grow from parts of the parent plant.

What are two types of pollination?

Self-pollination and cross-pollination.

What distinguishes monocots from dicots?

Monocots have one seed leaf and store food in the endosperm, while dicots have two seed leaves and store food in the cotyledons.

What is the function of auxins in fruit development?

Auxins are growth regulators produced by seeds that stimulate fruit formation.

What happens to a pollen grain after it lands on a stigma?

It germinates, forming a pollen tube which grows towards the ovule.

Why is double fertilization important in flowering plants?

It results in the formation of both a diploid zygote and a triploid endosperm nucleus, providing nutrition to the developing embryo.

What is parthenocarpy?

Parthenocarpy is the formation of fruit without fertilization, often resulting in seedless fruits.

How does hydration affect seed germination?

Water allows the seed to absorb moisture, swelling and activating enzymes for growth.

What do the radicle and plumule develop into in a seedling?

The radicle develops into the root, and the plumule develops into the shoot.