Biology of Reproduction

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the biology of reproduction, focusing on sexual reproduction in flowering plants and human reproductive health.

Reproduction

The vital process by which species survive; can be asexual or sexual.

Sexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction that enables creation of new variants, enhancing survival advantages.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction without the involvement of gametes or sexual processes.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that reproduce sexually.

Pollen Grain

The male gametophyte in flowering plants, containing male gametes.

Microsporangium

A structure in the stamen where microspores are produced.

Pistil

The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of the stigma, style, and ovary.

Endosperm

Triploid tissue that provides nutrition to the developing embryo.

Double Fertilisation

A unique process in flowering plants involving the fusion of one male gamete with the egg cell and another with two polar nuclei.

Apomixis

A form of asexual reproduction in which seeds are produced without fertilisation.

Polyembryony

The occurrence of multiple embryos in one seed.

Cleistogamous Flowers

Flowers that do not open and self-pollinate.

Autogamy

Pollination occurring within the same flower.

Geitonogamy

Pollination occurring between different flowers of the same plant.

Xenogamy

Pollination occurring between flowers of different plants.

Filiform Apparatus

Specialized structure in synergids that guides pollen tube into the egg apparatus.

Sporopollenin

A tough outer layer of pollen grains that protects them from degradation.

Germ Pore

A region on the pollen grain where the exine is absent, allowing pollen tube emergence.

Viability of Pollen

The period during which pollen grains remain functional after shedding.

Embryo Sac

The female gametophyte in flowering plants, typically 7-celled and 8-nucleate.

Nucellus

The central tissue of the ovule that contains the embryo sac.