Pollination and Ripening flashcards

Abscission

The process of shedding leaves, flowers, or fruits from a plant to conserve energy and resources. It stops attracting insects

Double fertilization

A unique process in plants where one sperm fertilizes the egg to form a zygote, while another sperm fertilizes the central cell to form endosperm.

Endosperm

A nutrient-rich tissue formed during double fertilization that provides nourishment to the developing embryo in seeds.

Mature embryo

Occurs when an embryo has consumed all of the endosperm, which then signals the beginning of ripening.

Ripening

The process in fruits where they mature and become ready for consumption, involving changes in size, color, texture, and flavor.

Process of ripening

Begins with the ovary enlarging. Sucrose enters the fruit and breaks down into glucose and fructose. The fruit then forms anthocyanins/carotenoids to attract.

Seed dispersal

The various methods by which plants spread their seeds away from the parent plant, including wind dispersal, animal dispersal, explosive dispersal, and floatation.