Reproduction (Lecture Notes)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering reproduction concepts from the lecture notes.

Reproduction

The process by which mature individuals produce offspring; essential characteristic of all living organisms; occurs as sexual or asexual.

Offspring

The young produced by organisms.

Procreation

Another term for reproduction; sustains species.

Extinction

The state of a species dying out.

Genetic variation

Differences in genetic material among individuals, contributing to variation within a species.

Sexual reproduction

Reproduction involving the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote, introducing genetic variation.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction without gametes; offspring are genetically identical clones of the parent.

Gamete

A sex cell (egg or sperm) that fuses during fertilization; haploid.

Zygote

The diploid cell formed by the fusion of two gametes.

Binary fission

Asexual division where a single cell splits into two equal-sized daughter cells.

Budding

Asexual growth where a new individual develops from a bud on the parent and detaches.

Fragmentation

Asexual reproduction where an organism splits into fragments that regenerate into complete individuals.

Sporulation

Formation of spores; haploid cells that can grow into new organisms.

Sporangium

Structure that produces spores.

Hypha

Threadlike filament of a fungus; part of the mycelium.

Regeneration

Growth of missing body parts; a form of asexual reproduction.

Isogamy

Sexual reproduction with morphologically similar gametes; mating types + and - fuse to form a zygote.

Heterogamy

Sexual reproduction with gametes that differ in size or form (includes anisogamy and oogamy).

Anisogamy

Fusion of gametes of different sizes (usually small motile male and large immotile female).

Oogamy

Fusion of a large immotile female gamete with a small motile male gamete.

External fertilization

Fertilization occurs outside the female body, typically in water; often involves spawning.

Internal fertilization

Fertilization occurs inside the female’s body, often requiring mating or sperm transfer.

Spawning

Release of eggs and sperm into water for external fertilization; environmental cues can trigger.

Egg cell

Female gamete; ovum.

Sperm cell

Male gamete; spermatozoon.

Hermaphrodite

An organism with both male and female reproductive organs.

Bisexual reproduction

Reproduction involving both male and female organs on the same plant; can be self-fertile or require outcrossing.

Flower

Reproductive organ of flowering plants; a shoot with modified leaves and stems.

Petal

Colorful part of a flower that attracts pollinators.

Sepal

Leaflike outer parts that protect the unopened flower.

Stamen

Male reproductive part of a flower; consists of anther and filament; produces pollen.

Anther

Pollen-producing sac at the tip of the stamen.

Filament

Stalk supporting the anther.

Pistil

Female reproductive part of a flower; includes stigma, style, and ovary.

Stigma

Sticky top of the pistil that captures pollen.

Style

Tube that connects the stigma to the ovary.

Ovary

Base of the pistil containing ovules; develops into fruit after fertilization.

Ovule

Structure inside the ovary that becomes a seed after fertilization.

Pollen grain

Male gametophyte produced in the anther.

Unisexual

Having only one reproductive organ; a flower with either male or female parts.

Carpellate (pistillate)

Female flower; contains only carpels.

Staminate

Male flower; contains only stamens.

Monoecious

Plants with both pistillate and staminate flowers on the same plant.

Dioecious

Plants with pistillate and staminate flowers on different plants.

Complete flower

A flower with sepals, petals, stamens, and pistil.

Incomplete flower

A flower missing one or more of the four main parts.

Composite flower

A single inflorescence made up of many smaller flowers.

Stolons (runners)

Horizontal stems that run along the surface and give rise to new plants.

Rhizomes

Underground horizontal stems that produce shoots and roots.

Tubers

Short, thickened underground storage stems (e.g., potatoes).

Bulbs

Underground storage organs with a short stem and overlapping leaves.

Corm

Short vertical swollen underground stem used for storage and survival.

Pollination

Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma; often aided by pollinators.

Pollinator

Agent—often an insect—that transfers pollen between flowers.