Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the sexual reproduction of flowering plants as noted in the lecture transcripts.

Stamen

The male reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of a filament and an anther.

Microsporangium

A structure within the stamen where pollen grains develop.

Pollen Grain

The male gametophyte of flowering plants, produced in the microsporangia.

Tapetum

The innermost layer of the anther that nourishes developing pollen grains.

Microsporogenesis

The process of formation of microspores from pollen mother cells through meiosis.

Megasporogenesis

The formation of megaspores from the megaspore mother cell.

Embryo sac

The female gametophyte in flowering plants, usually formed from a single functional megaspore.

Autogamy

Self-pollination occurring within the same flower.

Geitonogamy

Pollination involving transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of another flower of the same plant.

Xenogamy

Cross-pollination involving transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a different plant.

Germ pore

A site on the pollen grain's exine where the shell is absent, allowing for pollen tube growth.

Sporopollenin

A durable organic compound that makes up the outer layer (exine) of pollen grains.

Pollen tube

A tube that forms after a pollen grain germinates and grows towards the ovule.

Filiform apparatus

Specialized structures in the synergids that guide the pollen tube toward the egg.

Emasculation

The process of removing the anthers from a flower to prevent self-pollination.

Bagging

Covering emasculated flowers to prevent contamination before pollination.